During National Agriculture Week, Brown Discusses How Infrastructure Investments Will Benefit Farmers

Press Release

Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) discussed how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will benefit Ohio's farmers and local economies.

In honor of National Agriculture Week, Brown spoke to reporters today on how he is working to ensure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allow Ohio farmers to position themselves best to compete and win in the 21st century.

"What farmers need is stability, certainty, and smart investments -- and that's what we passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Upgraded roads and bridges will mean farmers can export their goods faster -- enabling them to save and make more money," said Brown. "Investments in dams and flood prevention projects will mean more protections against the effects of climate change -- so our farmers can be more resilient and have a competitive edge in the global market. We want to make sure Ohio farmers and Ohio's rural communities get their fair share of this investment."

In addition to upgrading and repairing roads, bridges, and waterways across the state so Ohio farmers can efficiently and safely transport agricultural products to consumers, it will also invest in critical watershed infrastructure projects. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working with local communities in 23 states to invest in new dam and flood prevention projects and in repairs on existing watershed infrastructure.

NRCS Chief Terry Cosby, who served as Ohio's NRCS State Conservationist for 16 years, was the senator's guest on the call.

"The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides critical support to expand investments in local communities which can protect entire towns impacted by floods, natural disasters, and other watershed-related resource concerns. This funding enables NRCS to extend financial assistance to underserved communities that live in constant fear of flooding. These investments provide added protection against the effects of severe weather and will place systems in place to ensure a climate resilient future, helping communities thrive in the years to come," explained NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. "I am grateful for Senator Brown's support of this landmark legislation. As the former State Conservationist for 16 years, I can speak firsthand on the importance of such investments to the State of Ohio."

The USDA has announced the first round of watershed infrastructure projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, four of which are in Ohio.

Three Ohio projects received Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) Funding:

* Athens County - Margaret Creek 1 (Meeks Lake Dam)
Meeks Lake Dam was originally completed as a significant hazard structure in 1973 and has since been reclassified as possessing a high hazard potential. Located in Athens County, Ohio, this structure protects the local communities of Fisher, Alexander, and Athens, Ohio from flooding during major storm events. Funding for this project will be used by the Margaret Creek Conservation District to raise the embankment of the structure, armor the spillway, and extend the life of the structure by at least another 50 years.

* Athens, OH- Margaret Creek 6 (Fox Lake Dam)
Fox Lake Dam began operation as a significant hazard potential flood control structure in 1967. Since then, this structure has been reclassified as possessing high hazard potential. Meanwhile it has become a local recreational retreat for communities near Athens, Ohio. Funding for this project will allow the Margaret Creek Conservation District to bring the structure into compliance with Ohio's safety regulations and restore the original flood protection benefits of the structure to last another 50 years or more.

* Lancaster, OH, Upper Hocking 3
Funding for planning of a high-hazard flood control structure originally designed as significant. Structure past its 50-year service life. Primarily protects ag land and residents near Lancaster, OH.

One Ohio Project received Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program Funding:

· Junction City and New Lexington, OH - Upper Rush Creek
A preliminary investigation feasibility report (PIFR) will be prepared to determine if WFPO can be used to assist with watershed protections in the Upper Rush Creek watershed. Water quality of concern due to mine drainage contaminants. Therefore, initial planning is to construct mine drainage treatment structures. Improved water quality is expected to improve stream wildlife habitat as well.

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