McConnell-Led Senate Passes Landmark Bipartisan Legislation for American Recreation and Conservation

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised Senate passage of the Great American Outdoors Act today. This bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by Senator McConnell, will improve Kentucky's national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and other public lands by investing in preservation and maintenance. The legislation will also secure permanent funding for the missions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bipartisan bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Across the Commonwealth, outdoor recreation supports 120,000 jobs and drives nearly $13 billion dollars in consumer spending. The Great American Outdoors Act will safeguard Kentucky's public lands, provide generations of Americans access to outdoor recreation, and sustain jobs and prosperity in the process. Additionally, the Great American Outdoors Act builds on Senator McConnell's advocacy for LWCF funding to conserve some of the Bluegrass' precious wilderness and historical sites.

"America's great outdoors are a breathtaking treasure, setting us apart from the rest of the world. Visiting public lands is an experience passed down through the generations. Now, it's our turn to preserve these natural wonders for the future," said Senator McConnell. "Across Kentucky, this bipartisan legislation can help drive tourism, support local communities, and secure these pastimes for years to come.

Senator McConnell continued, "The Great American Outdoors Act will support Kentucky's outdoor sporting and fishing traditions. And it will allow for critical maintenance and upkeep so these Kentucky lands continue to stand the test of time. As Senate Majority Leader, it was my honor to bring this legislation to the floor and deliver results for families and workers throughout Kentucky."

Senator McConnell has heard from a number of Kentucky leaders regarding the Great American Outdoors Act and the impact this legislation will have on the Commonwealth's natural treasures:

Mammoth Cave National Park

"With increased tourism being the best path for economic growth in Edmonson County, and Mammoth Cave National Park being such a large part of our county's history, we wanted to voice our strong support of the Great American Outdoors Act," said Edmonson County Judge-Executive Wil Cannon. "Restoring and maintaining Mammoth Cave National Park will have a direct positive impact to the continued growth of our county and the surrounding areas. I would like to thank Senator McConnell for his leadership on this Act."

Daniel Boone National Forest

"Senator McConnell has once again come through for Kentucky. His leadership of the Great American Outdoors Act will help make critical infrastructure upgrades throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest and specifically here at the London district office," said Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield. "Senator McConnell understands the importance of this national treasure to our region and our state. He listens to what we need and makes it a priority."

"Senator McConnell has long championed Kentucky's great outdoors, and we are grateful for his leadership to preserve the Redbird district and other natural treasures for the future," said Clay County Judge-Executive Johnny Johnson. "With everything else going on in the world, I'm proud our Senate Majority Leader kept Kentucky jobs supported by the Daniel Boone National Forest as a top priority. Senator McConnell is constantly delivering for families and workers in Clay County."

"Visitors come from all around to visit McCreary County, supporting our local workers and community. We're thankful Senator McConnell has once again put Kentucky families first," said Jimmie Greene II, McCreary County Judge-Executive. "His leadership position in the Senate continues to be a great asset for Kentucky jobs, tourism and outdoor recreation."

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

"Since the early American explorers first laid their eyes on the West, the Cumberland Gap has been a land of opportunity and adventure. Senator McConnell, through the Great American Outdoors Act, has secured that heritage for future generations to appreciate," said Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock. "Tourism helps drive Bell County's economy. By putting a strong emphasis on maintenance and upkeep, Senator McConnell is helping support local workers and communities. We are thankful Senator McConnell has once again used his leadership position to benefit Kentucky families."

Land Between the Lakes

"The Land Between the Lakes is extremely important to Lyon County and Western Kentucky," said Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White. "Over the years the need for better roads and maintenance has increased while the money available to do this work has decreased. Thank you Senator McConnell for the Great American Outdoors Act! This money will make a big difference in making Land Between the Lakes the destination it should be."

"I would like to thank Leader McConnell for his commitment to the entire state but particularly his leadership and commitment to Western Kentucky," said Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander. "The Great American Outdoors Act demonstrates his proven dedication to this area and our workers. Senator McConnell is a true leader for the State of Kentucky and the entire United States of America and we appreciate his commitment to the people of Kentucky."

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Museum

"Pulaski County is so grateful for Senator McConnell's leadership in passing the Great American Outdoors Act," said Pulaski County Judge-Executive Steve Kelley. "The Act will help support Mill Springs Battlefield and Museum as part of the National Park Service to emphasize its historic importance for future generations. Pulaski County continues to benefit tremendously as a result of Leader McConnell's determination and perseverance."

Camp Nelson

"We are very excited that Senator McConnell has led the way to provide funding for such an important historical site as Camp Nelson National Monument (CNNM)," said Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West. "CNNM will serve as a beacon of freedom and will continue to grow as an attraction and an asset for Kentucky."

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge & Green River National Wildlife Refuge

"Western Kentucky's hunters, fishers, and boaters have a strong ally in Senator McConnell. He is tirelessly fighting to protect our jobs, our public lands and our treasured pastimes," said Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal. "We are grateful to have a national leader like Senator McConnell looking out for the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and all who enjoy it. Many people talk about supporting Kentucky, but Senator McConnell delivers time and again."

"Thank you to Senator McConnell for helping make the Great American Outdoors Act a reality," said Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider. "His leadership was crucial to putting this valuable funding in place. It will protect and improve national parks and public lands all across this country, including Henderson County, where Senator McConnell spearheaded the establishment of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge."

"We appreciate the Senate's effort to protect Kentucky's wild places like Clarks River and Green River National Wildlife Refuges," said Michael Johnson, refuge manager for both Kentucky refuges. "With critical funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, these refuges continue to grow, enhancing habitat for wildlife and furthering the enduring tradition of outdoor recreation, such as hunting and fishing, which is important to so many Kentuckians."

Statewide

"From the Cumberland Gap to the Green River, Kentucky's wild landscapes are integral to our identity, our economy and our well-being. Amidst all the challenges we face, the Great American Outdoors Act is a once-in-a-generation investment in conservation, one Kentucky and the rest of the country needs right now," said David Phemister, State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky. "By fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and investing in the care of our national parks and public lands, this act will create jobs, rebuild local economies and increase access to the outdoors for all. As the majority leader and a champion for Kentucky's outdoors, Senator McConnell was absolutely essential to this success. I thank Senator McConnell for guiding the Great American Outdoors Act to passage and urge the House of Representatives to quickly follow suit."

"Members of the Glenview Garden Club of Louisville, the Lexington Garden Club and the Paducah Garden Club wish to thank Leader McConnell for his leadership in supporting the Great American Outdoors Act," said Jana Dowds, Glenview Garden Club of Louisville Vice Chair. "This landmark legislation will finally fund the back log of maintenance for our parks and restore our natural resources through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. As Kentuckians we thank Leader McConnell for hearing our voice to protect and maintain our public lands, beautiful parks and wildlife refuges in Kentucky, serving as a much needed place for recreation and boosting our economy. The GCA clubs of Kentucky are thrilled with the final passage of the Great American Outdoors Act thanks to the ongoing support and strong leadership of Leader McConnell."

"Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, or any other form of outdoor recreation, the Great American Outdoors Act will expand safe access to our public lands for generations to come," said Ducks Unlimited Kentucky state chair Jeff Adams. "By addressing the vast maintenance backlog and fully funding the LWCF, this bill is a game-changer for both conservationists and recreation enthusiasts alike. We thank Majority Leader McConnell for prioritizing this important bipartisan legislation that will provide a tremendous boost for our outdoor economy across the nation and back home in Kentucky."

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