U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

McConnell's Bill to Block Fishing Barriers Near Dams Becomes Law

Erica Peterson — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:24:20 +0000

President Barack Obama has signed a bill championed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from restricting access to dams on the Cumberland River.

As I reported last month, the Army Corps proposed blocking access to the dams for safety reasons.

Senate Advances McConnell Measure to Promote Fishing, Block Safety Restrictions Near Dams

Erica Peterson — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:52:20 +0000

A measure to stop the Army Corps of Engineers from restricting access to the Cumberland River near locks and dams is moving through Congress.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added the amendment to a water resources bill that passed the Senate today. In a news release, McConnell said restricting access to the water directly below dams would have a devastating effect on fishermen and the local economy.

Barge Owners Want Beshear's Help in Raising River Level

Associated Press — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:03:27 +0000

Several companies that operate barges on the drought-stricken Mississippi River have asked Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to intervene by calling for a presidential disaster declaration.

The companies, including three based in Paducah, say such a request could be a first step in getting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release water from the Missouri River to improve the flow of theMississippi.

The companies made the appeal in a Dec.