SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took part in a ribbon cutting in Springfield on Wednesday celebrating a newly completed H2Ohio wetland as he works with various groups on wetland restoration projects through his H2Ohio water quality initiative.

That initiative addresses serious water issues building in the state.

It addresses phosphorous runoff from farm fertilizer, wastewater, drinking water and even the repair of old water pipes that could result in lead contamination. Nearly $270 million in funding from the operating budget has allowed expansions of the program. 

DeWine said this wetland restoration has taken a lot time, investment and hard work.

“Wetlands are a win win win,” he said. “...It is first and foremost a great natural filter. You know, one of the great things that we have in Ohio that gives us frankly, a strategic advantage in regard to other states and something we're very, very proud of is our water. And we kinda take it for granted sometimes. But keeping our water pure, this is one of the ways that we can do it.”

H2Ohio is also working to reduce harmful algae blooms in Lake Erie that could be caused by phosphorous runoff.