McConnell Secures Freedom to Fish in Final Conference Report

Press Release

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.

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