Consultant work continues to explore the feasibility of developing a destination resort near Red River Gorge. A second virtual town hall meeting Tuesday focused on potential economic and infrastructure benefits for the four county area in southcentral Kentucky.
Stantec Designer Nancy Locke said stakeholders want to maintain a balance of existing and new facilities. “This idea of competing with the cabin industry. There’s a concern that that’s been a really strong vital industry in the area and a hesitation to bring in something that might disrupt that,” said Locke.
Preliminary ideas and goals were presented during the remote forum. That included creating a sustainable economic development, year round job opportunities, and to be true to the character and values of local residents. Locke noted consultant work has included evaluating benefits to communities bordering the gorge in Lee, Menifee, Wolfe, and Powell Counties. “Each community is poised to be a gateway to the greater region. So, how do we get people to stop there and spend time in these communities and what can the communities focus on to better serve these visitors,” Locke explained.
A third virtual meeting to take input is planned for mid-August with draft recommendations slated for the end of August and a final presentation in late September.
Former Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO David Adkisson is leading the soon to be non-profit entity of interested business leaders who have ties to the region. Once finalized, he’s said the next step will be to see if there are interested investors to back such a project.
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