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Water Infrastructure Bill Affecting West KY Heads to U.S. House

Tupungato, 123RF STOCK PHOTO

A new bipartisan bill supporting water infrastructure is heading to the U.S. House of Representatives this week and some provisions could affect the west Kentucky region.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office said the Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 extends by five years legislation to block the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers from preventing boating access to popular fishing waters at Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams.

 

The bill also authorizes the Army Corps to demolish certain locks and dams along the Green and Barren Rivers. Another provision transfers ownership of Kentucky River Locks and Dams 1 through 4 from the Army Corps to the Kentucky River Authority. McConnell’s office said that allowing local stakeholders to maintain and improve these structures can open new opportunities for those benefiting from the water source.

 

The House of Representatives is expected to consider the bill this week. If it passes, it moves back to the Senate for passage and would then await President Donald Trump’s signature.

 

This story has been updated.

 

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