Youngstown Times

State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) has announced that $100,000 in funding has been awarded through the H2Ohio program. The funds are intended to preserve and protect the water quality of Little Beaver Creek in St. Clair Township.

"The H2Ohio program has been a tremendous resource for our region," said Robb Blasdel. “Ensuring that the water quality around us is protected and creating opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors is not just a win-win, but another example of investing in the future of Columbiana County."

The H2Ohio program funds will be utilized to purchase land within the Little Beaver Creek State Wild and Scenic and National Scenic River corridor in Columbiana County. This acquisition aims to protect water quality, enhance the area along the corridor, and create recreational use opportunities such as fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and river access.

H2Ohio is a comprehensive water quality initiative that strives for sustainable and long-term improvement in Ohio's water resources' health. The program addresses critical issues related to water pollution, particularly nutrient runoff leading to harmful algal blooms in bodies of water like Lake Erie. It represents a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The next State Controlling Board meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2024.