Thursday afternoon state officials and community leaders are gathering in Estill County to celebrate a new park at Kentucky River Lock and Dam #12. The Kentucky River Authority and Kentucky Riverkeeper are sponsoring the event.
Pat Banks is Director of Kentucky Riverkeeper. Banks said the ultimate goal is to connect the whole river for water tourism.
“Now that the Kentucky River Authority is on board, they have 14 properties. And so we're working to get parks at each one of those properties with portages. So, you'll be able to put a kayak in Whitesburg and go all the way to Carrollton,” said Banks.
Portages allow kayakers and other paddlers to go around closed lock and dam sites safely and easily along the river. Banks said parks at those properties will bring in more tourists.
“You can get canoers and kayakers and fishermen deciding to take multi day trips on an adventure through the Kentucky River. That's huge. And then it's also each of those parks that will eventually be in place are also going to be gathering places for the local community,” said Banks.
Banks said she hopes the enhanced recreation opportunities will create a sense of responsibility and appreciation of Kentucky’s waterways.
Representative Kelly Flood will present the Kentucky River Water Trail Project with an Acclamation from Governor Andy Beshear at the event Thursday afternoon.
