Brown: Ohio should get federal funds to improve water

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday to approve Ohio’s application for federal funds to improve water facilities.

His comments came after Toledo, Ohio, lifted a drinking water ban that was caused by toxic algae blooms.

{mosads}“While the ban has been lifted, our work to ensure safe drinking water has only begun,” Brown said on Monday. “I’m pleased to announce that Ohio’s joint application for Farm Bill funds to improve water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin has advanced to the next round. We must incorporate regional, cutting-edge practices to prevent algal blooms and ensure safe drinking water.”

Ohio has filed a joint application with Indiana and Michigan for funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to improve water quality in Lake Erie.

Brown said he helped create the RCPP in the 2014 farm bill, which provides $1.2 billion over five years for conservation projects that help ensure clean soil and water.