FRANKFORT — Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, D-Drift, thinks passing legislation to allow private property owners and the state to collaborate on adventure tourism activities is a no-brainer for eastern Kentucky.
“It just brings people from all over to eastern Kentucky,” Turner said Wednesday about passage of Senate Bill 196. “We’re looking to build more hotels, motels and restaurants and things like ... because of the number of people who’ll be coming there because of this bill.”
Sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, and cosponsored by Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, and Representatives Leslie Combs, D-Pikeville, Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and Keith Hall, D-Phelps, the bill allows private property owners to enter agreements with the state for the public use of their land for outdoor activities like biking, off-road ATVs, hunting and horseback riding without fear of liability.
“There is no better way to see the beauty of Kentucky than on the back of a horse,” said First Lady Jane Beshear, an avid equestrian who helped champion the bill’s passage along with Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo.
“We will have a well-used trail from north to south, from east to west, in our state,” she said. “Today is the day we get to say welcome to Kentucky – the new adventure tourism capitol of the world.”
Her husband, Gov. Steve Beshear, said the bill will promote economic and social development in eastern Kentucky and make that part of the state a tourist destination.
Tourism is the state’s third largest industry, according to the governor’s office, with a $10.1 billion annual economic impact. It provides 175,000 jobs and $987 million in tax revenues.
Turner said a horse trail ride last year in Knott County drew more than 3,000 people, and organizers anticipate more this year. An ATV training center in Knott County teaches “people how to use ATVs safely and responsibly.” He said more such events and activities are planned for other area in his district, including Letcher and Floyd counties.
Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort, Ky. He may be contacted by e-mail at rellis@cnhi.com.
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