U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and western Kentucky Congressman James Comer have introduced the Land Between the Lakes Recreation and Heritage Act.
They say the legislation is designed to help LBL secure more federal resources for internal recreation and maintenance needs, while also preserving LBL’s natural heritage.
The bill establishes LBL as a separate unit of the National Forest System with an independent budget. To ensure the U.S. Forest Service devotes necessary funds to recreation and maintenance, it authorizes at least $8 million each fiscal year for LBL.
It changes the makeup of the LBL Advisory Board, requiring the board to consist of thirteen members and placing more control over the board at the local level rather than with the states or Washington, D.C.
A news release notes that local communities have expressed concern over a lack of sufficient law enforcement personnel for the vast territory, forcing the unit to pull resources from surrounding counties. The legislation encourages the Forest Service to enter into a memorandum of understanding with state and local entities to clarify jurisdictional issues like policing and requires such a memorandum to be made public.
The bill also provides solace to the families of former residents of the LBL, better defining their status and expanding their access to cemeteries within the national recreation area’s boundaries.
Leader McConnell is quoted as saying, “From increasing funding, to providing better oversight, to properly safeguarding the area’s heritage and natural resources, this legislation takes the best ideas from community stakeholders and will preserve LBL’s future. I look forward to leading it to passage in the United States Senate.”
Congressman Comer says, “Our bill takes significant action to resolve issues at LBL through targeted funding, increased transparency, and improved law enforcement practices – along with provisions to preserve the area’s natural beauty. I look forward to passing this legislation through Congress and providing a strong boost to one of Kentucky’s signature landmarks.”
Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander and Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White thanked McConnell and Comer with Judge White saying, “Real people are about to start making decisions on the future of LBL and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential they’re going to realize there. This change in legislation will be the single most important piece of work we have accomplished at LBL regarding proper funding in years.”