President Donald Trump signed legislation Tuesday that would require federal agencies to develop plans to reduce or eliminate invasive species, such as Asian carp.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office said a portion of the Natural Resources Management Act requires agencies to develop cost-effective measures to combat the invasive species.
His office said it also will ensure that federal funding is directed to on-the-ground activities in impacted communities -- like those surrounding Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in west Kentucky.
McConnell said the carp pose a threat to the local economy. He praised Lyon County Judge/Executive Wade White and Marshall County Judge/Executive Kevin Neal for their efforts in tackling the problematic fish.
White and his organization “War on Carp” advocated for the year-round commercial fishing of Asian carp. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission approved that rule change last week and expect it to be in effect by April.
