The House of Representatives passed the Natural Resources Management Act Tuesday night that includes a provision calling for federal agencies to develop plans to reduce or eliminate Asian Carp in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The measure supported by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also requires agencies to develop cost-effective measures to combat the invasive species and ensures funding is directed to on-the-ground activities in impacted communities.
Senator McConnell says in a release that fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry in Kentucky, pumping an estimated $1.2 billion into the Western Kentucky economy alone. He adds Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are popular fishing areas that are being threatened by the existence and the spread of Asian Carp and says they must protect them. Not only are these invasive fish a danger for the local economy. He says they are also a safety hazard for anglers and boaters. McConnell adds as Senate Majority Leader, he was able to bring a national focus right here to Western Kentucky to protect our vital interests. He also highlighted the leadership of Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White and Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal. He noted together they are continuing to work to protect Kentucky’s waters.
The Natural Resources Management Act now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.
