Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Governor Beshear Signs Adventure Tourism Bill Into Law. Legislation To Bring ATV Trails To Pike County.
Tourists looking for outdoor adventures may now enjoy parts of Kentucky like never before. Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by First Lady Jane Beshear, today signed Senate Bill 196, opening more areas of the state as tourist destinations for bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen, hunters, off-roaders and horseback riders.
“Some of Kentucky’s most breathtaking sites are tucked away in the far reaches of someone’s private property,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This bill makes all 120 counties in Kentucky a destination for outdoor adventure tourism.”
The Adventure Tourism Bill, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith (R-Hazard), allows the state to enter into agreements with private property owners for the public use of land for outdoor activities without fear of facing liability issues.
Gov. Beshear applauded the bipartisan effort behind the passage of Senate Bill 196. In addition to Smith, Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) and Reps. Leslie Combs (D-Pike), Robin Webb (D-Grayson) and Keith Hall (D-Phelps) co-sponsored the bill.
“I thank each of them for working together to promote the tourist opportunities we have throughout the commonwealth and for recognizing the positive social and economic effects this legislation will have on the state,” the governor said.
Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo also was a strong partner of the legislation.
“Today, we take the first step towards making Kentucky the nation’s premier adventure tourism destination,” the lieutenant governor said. “The economic, social and development benefits for our state as a result of adventure tourism will be unlike anything seen within the commonwealth before.”
Tourism is Kentucky’s third-largest industry, with a $10.1 billion annual economic impact. It currently generates 175,000 jobs in the state and $987 million in tax revenue. The commonwealth’s state park system is regarded as one of the best in the nation. It is made up of 53 state parks and historical sites, 17 of which offer overnight accommodations and are considered “resort parks” – the most of any state.
“Some of Kentucky’s most breathtaking sites are tucked away in the far reaches of someone’s private property,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This bill makes all 120 counties in Kentucky a destination for outdoor adventure tourism.”
The Adventure Tourism Bill, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith (R-Hazard), allows the state to enter into agreements with private property owners for the public use of land for outdoor activities without fear of facing liability issues.
Gov. Beshear applauded the bipartisan effort behind the passage of Senate Bill 196. In addition to Smith, Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) and Reps. Leslie Combs (D-Pike), Robin Webb (D-Grayson) and Keith Hall (D-Phelps) co-sponsored the bill.
“I thank each of them for working together to promote the tourist opportunities we have throughout the commonwealth and for recognizing the positive social and economic effects this legislation will have on the state,” the governor said.
Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo also was a strong partner of the legislation.
“Today, we take the first step towards making Kentucky the nation’s premier adventure tourism destination,” the lieutenant governor said. “The economic, social and development benefits for our state as a result of adventure tourism will be unlike anything seen within the commonwealth before.”
Tourism is Kentucky’s third-largest industry, with a $10.1 billion annual economic impact. It currently generates 175,000 jobs in the state and $987 million in tax revenue. The commonwealth’s state park system is regarded as one of the best in the nation. It is made up of 53 state parks and historical sites, 17 of which offer overnight accommodations and are considered “resort parks” – the most of any state.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:47 PM 
