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17 Southeast Ky Counties to be Part of Regional Trail System

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A proposal to create the Kentucky Mountain Trail Authority is being discussed in Frankfort. The initiative would link together trails in 17 southeastern Kentucky counties for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Economic Development Tourism Consultant Debby Spencer says the plan would not require state dollars. “It actually has the ability to, like I said, write grants," Spencer said. "It can carry bonds. It can do almost anything a city or county can do. That way we can represent all counties, all 17, and not put it under one county."

Spencer says paid permits for in-state and out of state visitors would help sustain the program. She says a similar program in West Virginia generates $1.4 million a year in revenue through visitor permit fees. “I can assure we can do a lot with that money to improve the trails we have in existence," Spencer said. "Put trailheads in and actually begin working on other ones."

Spencer says linking trails together would spread the liability throughout the counties.

Bill Sponsor Jim Stewart believes the recreational tourism initiative offers the best option for offsetting coal industry declines. Stewart says he’s not sure if the bill will get a vote this session.

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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