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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2519
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A RESOLUTION recognizing that economic development and tourism are 1
interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, 2
Arts and Her itage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the 3
Kentucky state park system. 4
WHEREAS, the Kentucky state park system was established in 1924 and boasts 5
one of the nation's most extensive networks, including over 45 parks and historic sites, 17 6
resort parks with lodges, and 13 golf courses; and 7
WHEREAS, the Kentucky state park system employs almost 650 full -time 8
employees and hundreds of seasonal staff members; and 9
WHEREAS, in 2016, the General Assembly approved an $18 million appropria tion 10
to improve safety and infrastructure and enhance esthetics at Kentucky state parks as part 11
of the Refreshing the Finest Effort; and 12
WHEREAS, since 2016, the General Assembly has approved over $400 million for 13
a major overhaul of the state parks to add ress crucial structural and infrastructure needs, 14
including campground upgrades, utility improvements, and broadband connectivity; and 15
WHEREAS, tourism often acts as a powerful driver for local growth by bringing 16
out-of-state dollars to the Commonwealth, s timulating economic development for local 17
communities; and 18
WHEREAS, the Kentucky state park system offers a sustainable economic 19
development ecosystem for local communities; and 20
WHEREAS, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and 21
Heritage Cabinet have a valuable opportunity given the improvements made to the 22
Kentucky state park system for economic stimulus to our local communities. The 23
cabinets need to work together on issues related to the further development of the 24
Kentucky state park system, specific recommendations for private -public partnerships, 25
detailed financial information regarding return on investment resulting from partnerships, 26
privatization of the parks, the impact of real property issues such as lease obligations and 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2519
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land restrictions, and further infrastructure development; 1
NOW, THEREFORE, 2
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 3
Kentucky: 4
Section 1. The Senate urges the Cabinet for Economic Development and the 5
Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore new ways the 6
Commonwealth of Kentucky can enhance economic development and tourism within the 7
state park system. 8
Section 2. The Senate requests the Cabinet for Economic Development and the 9
Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to submit recommendations for private -public 10
partnerships, detailed financial information regarding return on investment re sulting from 11
partnerships, privatization of the parks, real property issues such as ownership and land 12
restrictions, and further infrastructure development in person to the Interim Joint 13
Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment by November 1, 2026. 14
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 15
Resolution to the Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Secretary 16
of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. 17