Section 122.291
(A) The Ohio river commission may do all of the following, subject to available funding through appropriations made directly by the general assembly or the controlling board to the commission:
(1) Employ an executive director who shall have appropriate experience as determined by the commission, and a secretary-treasurer and other employees that the commission considers appropriate. The commission may fix the compensation of the employees.
(2) Adopt and, from time to time, ratify, amend, and repeal bylaws necessary and proper for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business and rules to implement and make effective its powers and duties;
(3) Receive, promote, support, and consider recommendations, from public or private planning organizations, and develop a master plan for Ohio river infrastructure and transportation projects;
(4) Coordinate with port authorities, private port operators, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation planning organizations, local development districts, Ohio river service entities, utility service providers, and agricultural, tourism, and recreational interests, regarding Ohio river infrastructure and transportation;
(5) In conjunction with applicable state agencies, coordinate with state agencies, local governments and communities, other states, and the federal government regarding Ohio river issues;
(6) Collect, track, and maintain key statistics and data regarding commerce on the Ohio river and make an annual report to the general assembly;
(7) Ensure the monitoring of federal, state, and local policies, programs, and priorities pertaining to the development and operation of marine cargo terminals and travel and tourism on the Ohio river;
(8) Prioritize policies, programs, and issues identified in the Ohio maritime strategy prepared by the department of transportation and in the department's "Economic Impact of the Ohio River Maritime Activity" study, as those or similar documents or reports are published and updated from time to time by the department;
(9) Evaluate policies, programs, programs of research, and priorities to offset the continued decline in coal production and consumption within the Ohio river basin and promote prosperity in the Appalachian region of this state;
(10) Administer development funds and seek, support, and assist the Ohio river industry in the utilization of available grants, loans, and other finance mechanisms in support of Ohio river projects;
(11) Represent the interests of this state in regional, national, and international forums pertaining to economic development, marine cargo terminals, and travel and tourism on the Ohio river and its tributaries;
(12) Coordinate, for dissemination and publication, information regarding the commission and its related activities in connection with the Ohio river;
(13) Raise funds through direct solicitation or other fundraising events alone, or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions. The funds, gifts, grants, or bequests received pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the Ohio river commission fund created in section 122.292 of the Revised Code.
(B) The commission, or the department of development, on behalf of the commission, may apply for and receive from the United States government grants in accordance with any federal law or program, for the benefit of Ohio river infrastructure, transportation, or recreation and tourism.
Last updated February 19, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Available Versions of this Section
- April 3, 2025 – Enacted by Senate Bill 54 - 135th General Assembly [ View April 3, 2025 Version ]