H2Ohio Conservation Ditch Program

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), as part of Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, has announced the availability of funding through the 2025 H2Ohio Conservation Ditch Program. This initiative supports Ohio’s ongoing efforts to improve water quality by offering financial assistance to eligible public entities for the construction of conservation ditches, including two-stage and self-forming types. The program aligns with H2Ohio’s broader objective of ensuring safe and clean water across the state by encouraging best management practices in agriculture, improving water infrastructure, and restoring wetlands. Governor DeWine's H2Ohio initiative is a comprehensive, data-driven approach involving multiple state agencies including ODA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. It seeks to address Ohio’s water quality challenges by reducing nutrient runoff, a key contributor to harmful algal blooms, and enhancing watershed health. The Conservation Ditch Program is one of several strategies deployed to achieve these goals by targeting edge-of-field water management improvements. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include all 88 Ohio County Engineer offices and the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). Projects must involve the construction of either two-stage or self-forming ditches, which have demonstrated benefits in slowing water flow, processing nutrients, and removing sediment, thus enhancing downstream water quality. There are no indications that for-profit organizations, nonprofits, or educational institutions are eligible to apply. Funding under this program is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of timely application submission. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to Justin McBride at Justin.McBride@agri.ohio.gov no later than June 1, 2026. The deadline reflects a proactive timeline, allowing applicants to plan, design, and implement approved projects, which must be completed by the end of 2028. No additional phases or pre-application deadlines are mentioned, and no specific award date is provided. Since the program's inception, over $11.7 million has been obligated to support 28 ditch projects, benefiting more than 27,000 acres of watershed through 22.6 miles of installed conservation ditches. While individual project awards and funding ceilings are not publicly disclosed, these figures indicate substantial investment and the potential for significant environmental impact. The program's limited funding and competitive nature highlight the importance of submitting high-quality, timely applications. Interested parties are encouraged to review the program documentation, including the application form (available in both PDF and Word formats) and webinar materials, for detailed guidance on eligibility, project scope, and submission procedures. For further inquiries, applicants should contact Justin McBride via the provided email. No phone number or additional points of contact are listed in the announcement.