U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday praised the Senate’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act that will improve Kentucky’s national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other public lands by investing in preservation and maintenance. The legislation, co-sponsored by McConnell, will also secure permanent funding for the missions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Across the Commonwealth, McConnell points out outdoor recreation supports 120,000 jobs and drives nearly $13 billion dollars in consumer spending. He says the legislation will safeguard the state’s public lands, provide generations of Americans access to outdoor recreation, and sustain jobs and prosperity in the process. In addition, McConnell says the Great American Outdoors Act builds on his advocacy for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to conserve some of Kentucky’s precious wilderness and historical sites.
According to McConnell’s office, the legislation will have an impact on the Commonwealth’s natural treasures including Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Judge-Executive Wade White says LBL is extremely important in Lyon County and western Kentucky. He adds over the years the need for better roads and maintenance has increased while the money available to do this work has decreased. He also thanked Senator McConnell for the Great American Outdoors Act. He says the money will make a big difference in making LBL the destination it should be.
Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander thanked Senator McConnell for his commitment to the entire state but particularly his leadership and commitment to western Kentucky. He adds the legislation demonstrates McConnell’s proven dedication to this area and our workers.
The bipartisan bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.