McConnell Secures Freedom to Fish in Final Conference Report
McConnell’s legislation permanently blocks the Administration from restricting access to fishing on the Cumberland River
May 16, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was successful in securing his Freedom to Fish language in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA) Conference Report, the final version of the bill, released yesterday. Senator McConnell’s provision continues a “permanent ban” on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to enforce any attempt to restrict public access to fish the tailwaters of the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams in Kentucky – some of the most popular fishing areas in the state. The House of Representatives is expected to consider the WRRDA Conference Report next week followed by the Senate.
Senator McConnell’s provision will permanently prevent the Army Corps from enforcing any attempt to restrict fishing access by giving states the ability to determine how best to regulate public access to these areas. The language also prohibits the Army Corps from ever constructing physical barriers to these public areas or even attempting to implement any kind of a restricted area using signs in the Cumberland River basin for four years following enactment of WRRDA.
“This is great news for fishing enthusiasts and business owners in Kentucky,” Senator McConnell said. “For decades, Kentuckians and anglers from far away have enjoyed the pleasure of fishing the tailwaters of these dams on the Cumberland River. For many in this area, it’s become a rite of passage. So you can imagine the outrage when the Obama Administration attempted to end this proud tradition in the name of big-government. By including my language in the final version of this bill, we are sending the Obama Administration a message that it cannot keep Kentuckians from fishing these prized waters.”
“Many Kentuckians are struggling in this economy and the last thing they need is the nanny state shutting down a critical local resource. Many in our state have depended on these waters for years and it’s outrageous for the federal government to propose such action with complete disregard for the people affected most directly by the policy. Blocking fishing access to the tailwaters of Lake Barkley and Wolf Creek would have not only robbed fishermen of a beloved pastime, but it would have also impaired tourism in the area and negatively affected Kentucky’s economy,” Senator McConnell added.
Lyon County Judge Executive Wade White praised Senator McConnell’s efforts on helping the community. “This is great news for the many who joined this grass roots effort to protect our freedom to fish below our 10 dams. It shows we can accomplish a great deal when we join together. I’m so excited that it is this much closer to final passage and I appreciate Sen. McConnell making this such a high priority,” said CJE White.
Background:
On March 19, 2013, McConnell met with Lt. Col. Jim DeLapp, former Nashville Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to discuss the Army Corps’ attempt to barricade these waters. In the meeting, McConnell reiterated his opposition to the Army Corps’ plan and said he would continue to work to prevent the installation of the barricades. On February 12, 2013, McConnell sent a letter to the head of the Army Corps, Jo-Ellen Darcy, voicing his opposition to the administration’s plan.
On Feb. 28, 2013, Senators McConnell, Rand Paul, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker introduced the Freedom to Fish Act to prevent the Army Corps from blocking fishing access to the tailwaters of the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams. Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) introduced the House companion bill.
On April 13, 2013, Senator McConnell met with local elected officials, anglers and local residents at Lake Barkley to hear firsthand their concerns regarding the Army Corps’ plan and was told that the proposal to block access to these waters would have a major detrimental impact on the communities near these dams.
On May 15, 2013, the Senate passed its initial version of the Water Resources and Development Act, which included the McConnell Freedom to Fish provision.
On May 16, 2013, the Senate passed a separate bill introduced by McConnell to delay, for two-years, the Army Corps’ ability to restrict public access to these areas, allowing time for the Conference Committee to produce a final WRRDA bill. Senator McConnell’s delay measure was signed into law by the President on June 3, 2013.
On August 28, 2013, Senator McConnell—along with Senator Paul—wrote House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster requesting that he include the permanent Freedom to Fish language in his committee’s bill and in the final WRRDA Conference Report.