The change was approved on Friday, and the Kentucky House Republican Caucus says it restores funds removed by Governor Andy Beshear in his biennial budget proposal from January 28.
The move was praised by area legislators, including Rep. Chris Freeland, Rep. Steven Rudy, Rep. Larry Elkins, Rep. Lynn Bechler, and Rep. Richard Heath.
Freeland, who represents Lyon, Marshall, and a portion of McCracken County, praised Lyon County Judge Executive Wade White for, "sounding the alarm," about the lack of funding proposed by the Governor.
Freeland said, “As a member of the House Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, I was certainly disappointed because I know how critical removing these fish are to tourism in our area. I am pleased that in the House budget proposal, we were able to restore that funding and demonstrate our commitment to protecting the Western Kentucky lakes from this invasive species.”
Rudy, Chairman of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, said restoring the funding was an easy decision to make in light of the real dangers posed by Asian Carp.
Freeland said, “As a member of the House Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, I was certainly disappointed because I know how critical removing these fish are to tourism in our area. I am pleased that in the House budget proposal, we were able to restore that funding and demonstrate our commitment to protecting the Western Kentucky lakes from this invasive species.”
Rudy, Chairman of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, said restoring the funding was an easy decision to make in light of the real dangers posed by Asian Carp.
Rudy said, “Not only does this species destroy other fish populations, but they are also extremely hazardous to boaters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. As negotiations continue on the final version of the budget, I will vigorously defend this funding to ensure we can adequately address the issue of Asian Carp.
Elkins, who represents Calloway and a portion of Trigg County, said “In my area, we’ve seen the widespread and extensive damage that Asian carp causes when the population is left unchecked. I will always support any effort to combat this issue.”
Marion's Glen Bechler spoke about the economic impact Kentucky and Barkley Lakes have on the region.
“If we do not fully eradicate Asian carp from our lakes, we will experience a significant decline in tourism that will negatively affect not only the Western Kentucky region but the entire state. I am glad we are putting state resources behind that effort," Bechler said.
Heath, of Mayfield, said that funding is critical to the war on carp.
“The funding that the Department of Fish and Wildlife sets aside subsidizes fishermen to harvest this invasive species aggressively,” Heath said. “Without these subsidies and incentives, we will be taking a step backward in controlling the population. We must be purposeful and relentless if we are ever going to get this problem under control.”
This continuation of state funding comes in addition to $25 million in federal funds that were recently announced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to combat the invasive species.
Elkins, who represents Calloway and a portion of Trigg County, said “In my area, we’ve seen the widespread and extensive damage that Asian carp causes when the population is left unchecked. I will always support any effort to combat this issue.”
Marion's Glen Bechler spoke about the economic impact Kentucky and Barkley Lakes have on the region.
“If we do not fully eradicate Asian carp from our lakes, we will experience a significant decline in tourism that will negatively affect not only the Western Kentucky region but the entire state. I am glad we are putting state resources behind that effort," Bechler said.
Heath, of Mayfield, said that funding is critical to the war on carp.
“The funding that the Department of Fish and Wildlife sets aside subsidizes fishermen to harvest this invasive species aggressively,” Heath said. “Without these subsidies and incentives, we will be taking a step backward in controlling the population. We must be purposeful and relentless if we are ever going to get this problem under control.”
This continuation of state funding comes in addition to $25 million in federal funds that were recently announced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to combat the invasive species.
