Governor DeWine celebrates revitalization Portsmouth and Ohio River

PORTSMOUTH – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine this week celebrated two major revitalization projects aimed at transforming the riverfront in Portsmouth and improving the health of the Ohio River.

Governor DeWine joined local leaders in Portsmouth to break ground on a transformational riverfront project along the Ohio River made possible through a $34.2 million grant from the Appalachian Community Grant Program’s Wonderful Waterfront Initiative.  

Key elements of the project include a reimagined Alexandra Point Park with a new scenic riverfront overlook; an amphitheater for concerts, festivals, and community events; a new riverwalk trail network; an RV campground; and improved access to the river.

“Through the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, we are not just revitalizing our riverfronts, we are reconnecting communities to their natural heritage, sparking new economic opportunities, and creating spaces that everyone can enjoy,” said Governor DeWine. 

Governor DeWine announced the Appalachian Community Grant Program’s Wonderful Waterfront Initiative in May 2024, awarding $204 million to 12 counties to expand access to local waterways, revitalize historic riverfront downtowns, and create new opportunities for tourism and recreation.

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced the launch of a new barge dedicated to beautifying the Ohio River as part of the H2Ohio Initiative. 

The beautification barge is a custom-built, 30-foot vessel equipped with a hydraulic crane capable of picking up large debris and trash in the river and on the riverbank that may have floated downstream from illegal dumpsites. 

“This is an innovative project that involves community support, which is what we like to see in our H2Ohio projects,” said Governor DeWine. “This boat will be able to assist in large-scale clean-up projects for years to come. Keeping the Ohio River clean and clear of litter is critical for preserving our natural resources for future generations."

The beautification barge was built and purchased by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District with support through the H2Ohio Rivers program and the Lawrence County and Scioto County commissioners. The barge, dubbed the "Queen of Clean" by local officials, will be operated and maintained by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District.

“This boat not only addresses the water quality of the river, by removing all different types of litter, but it will improve habitat and recreation on and along the river too,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “It will be a safe space for wildlife and people who want to recreate, whether that’s boating, wildlife watching, or fishing.”

“The new crane boat will be transformative and is a great way to combat litter in the Ohio River and many of our creeks and streams,” said Mike Finley, President of the Board of Directors for the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District. “This will change how the community views our waterways, plus we see this as a way to encourage more recreation and tourism.”

H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization. For more information visit h2.ohio.gov.

Below, New H2Ohio-funded barge to clean up Ohio River; Portsmouth Riverfront Park Project now underway.

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