Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz announced a $3 million in H2Ohio grant funding will be directed to nine wetland projects to help improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin. 

Awards will go to projects in Mahoning County, along with Athens, Butler, Clark, Delaware, Franklin, Montgomery, Pickaway, and Wayne counties to create wetlands, restore wetlands on hydric soils, and/or enhance water quality at existing wetlands and floodplains. 

"By expanding the reach of H2Ohio, we are working not only toward water quality, but also to a better quality of life for all Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine.  “Water issues exist everywhere, and these new projects will ensure more communities get the opportunity to experience the benefits these wetlands provide for water quality, wildlife, and recreational purposes.”

This is the second round of H2Ohio grants focused on the Ohio River Basin. In round one, ten wetland projects were awarded a total of $4.3 million to address nutrient loading and contribute to water quality improvement in the Ohio River and its tributaries.