Motorists travelling through Kentucky on Interstate-75 are helping a popular tourist attract weather a tight state budget. The Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea is supported by state funds and products sold at its gift shop. Tourism Cabinet spokesman Gil Lawson says the proposed budget eliminates state general fund support. But, Lawson says 350-thousand dollars from the state road fund could fill the gap.“The road fund is used obviously for roads but it can also be used for services such as rest stops and since 2005 the Artisan Center has been a rest stop..along interstate 75 which is a fairly busy interstate that lots of folks pass through on their way either north or south,” said Lawson.
Money collected through the state’s gasoline tax fund road construction and repairs, and support facilities like the Artisan Center.
The Artisan Center, which offers both a gift shop and a rest stop, attracts a quarter-million visitors a year. Still, Tourism Cabinet spokesman Gil Lawson says the center has not been immune from cuts.
“The Artisan Center has had budget cuts…in the last several years to the general fund..and it’s been treated just like the other state agencies. But, it has worked to stay open and be available for travelers,” added Lawson.
Lawson says the center sells wares of some 650 small businesses totaling more than a million dollars each year.
