Governor Beshear Signs Adventure Tourism Bill

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Posted: 12:54 PM Apr 16, 2008
Last Updated: 1:24 AM Apr 17, 2008

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 16, 2008) - 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.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Andy on Apr 17, 2008 at 07:31 AM
the state is running out of locals to lock up.So they are looking to bring inn folks from other states to jail and fleece.Car retrivers will have ATVs by the thousands in out buildings all over the state.Waiting on judges to sell,or the retrivers charge a couple of hunderd dollars per vehicle for storage.

Posted by: crystal Location: knott on Apr 17, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Well this maybe ok, but hear in Knott co. and i mean not to be negitive about this, but for tourism to bring in revenue to Knott Co. it's not going to happen. Hears why and it's simply because Knott has nothing to go along with tourism like hotels/motels, places to eat, no tourists site ,sure we have a few elk,deer,and wildlive in general. but we have nothing to keep tourists in the area.If they do come to the county, for a example to veiw elk, well when evening has come they will be heading to hazard or prestonburg for a room and food. Knott does't even have a good O'i walmart. You readers that have never been in Knott Co. i invited you to come and see for your seft, just come and see, you will see my point, and what i'am talking about. But maybe some of the other countys around us will benifit from it. And there is no way that people (landowners)are going to open up their land for stangers to ride atv,horses,trailbikes and ete.,there no way,o'i there maybe 1 out of 100 that will.

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