Some good news out of the nation’s Capitol Wednesday regarding the war on Asian Carp. The U.S. Senate has passed U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s measure to combat the spread of Asian Carp in both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured the provision in the government funding bill earlier this month.
A release says Senator McConnell’s provision directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to focus its efforts on combating the serious threat of the invasive species in the lakes in Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area. The legislation also provides $11 million dollars — a $600,000 increase from last year’s enacted level – for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to control Asian Carp in both lakes and the larger Mississippi and Ohio River Basins.
McConnell says with the passage of the Senate bill, they are one step closer to sending federal resources to combat the spread of Asian Carp in western Kentucky. He notes the Asian Carp is severely affecting tourism, the Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake communities, and the multi-billion dollar fishing industry in the state. He adds the fish are not only a danger for the local economy, but they are also a safety hazard for anglers and boaters. McConnell also states he’s proud to stand with Congressman James Comer, Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White and Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal to address this important issued, and he thanked the men for their continued leadership.
Judge White tells the News Edge he’s really happy that Senator McConnell got this bill through the Senate and put the focus clearly upon Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. He adds they look forward to final passage in this money going to work in our lakes. He notes getting things done in the Senate quickly is their goal and Senator McConnell got this done in the Senate. Judge White says he looks forward to more great news coming from Washington regarding the “War on Carp.”
A House/Senate Committee must now approve the legislation.
Meanwhile, McConnell reports he also secured some other funding for the Commonwealth. The provisions in the bill include:
– funding for the Abandoned Mine Land pilot program, which will provide $25 million to the state for economic development activities in communities with abandoned mine sites;
– a provision to direct the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to encourage grant recipients to provide more transitional housing opportunities for individuals transitioning from substance abuse treatment back into the workforce; and
– language that allows haulers of coal, livestock, grain, and other agricultural products to continue to use the Purchase and Natcher Parkways in western Kentucky to move products efficiently to market.
The legislation now goes to a Conference Committee to finalize the differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill.