In April, 1st District Congressman James Comer and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell co-championed the introduction of the LBL Recreation & Heritage Act — bringing to the forefront needed reparations for west Kentucky’s jewel destination.
Last week, Comer presented an overview of the bill’s outreach to the congressional subcommittee in charge of public lands, in hopes of touting its benefits.
An eight-page amendment to the Land Between the Lakes Protection Act of 1998, Comer and McConnell’s legislation brings forth sweeping improvements.
Among them: an $8 million annual promise to finish repairs and other recreation projects, a re-dedication to transparency, and the creation of better access for displaced families seeking burial plot space and frequent clearance for funerals and graveyard visitation.
In the subcommittee, Comer noted while LBL’s improvements would definitely impact the Commonwealth and his district, it would also impact more than two-thirds of the country — which resides within a six-hour drive of the Kentucky-Tennessee reserve.
Over the years, and particularly since 1998, Comer said LBL has experienced sincere difficulties — both in faculty and in funding — that have made upkeep with demand close to impossible.
Much like the revenues of the Hillman Ferry Campground, the act would require the user fees earned in LBL to go toward facility upgrades and infrastructure projects. The $8 million annually is also specifically earmarked, and cannot go toward salaries and other fringe benefits.
Comer said the bill brings clarity to the definition of “former LBL residents,” who in the 1960s were forced off of owned lands for the push of a rich recreation area and its hydroelectric capabilities. This clarity, Comer added, would go a long way for LBL’s cemetery associations — who need access to existing lands for expansion.
Fifteen letters of support for the bill were entered into the record, as Comer asked they be added to the congressional hearing for emphasis.
