Grant funding will provide support to enhance tourism

FRANKFORT, KY - On March 13, 2025, building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded $543,374 in grant funding to 19 Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote projects that boost the quality of life in Kentucky communities while attracting visitors from across the commonwealth and around the world. 

“Our Kentucky Trail Town communities play a big role in contributing to Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry, highlighting the best outdoor recreational experiences across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “This funding provides the resources to create unforgettable experiences, share unique stories, highlight the beauty of our natural resources and welcome more people to experience the warmth and charm of our New Kentucky Home.” 

The Trail Town grant award recipients are as follows: 

• $30,000 - Brownsville   
• $30,000 - Burkesville   
• $30,000 - Campbellsville   
• $30,000 - Cave City and Horse Cave   
• $30,000 - Dawson Springs   
• $30,000 - Hazard   
• $30,000 - Jamestown   
• $30,000 - Liberty   
• $30,000 - Manchester   
• $30,000 - McKee  
• $30,000 - Munfordville   
• $30,000 - Olive Hill   
• $30,000 - Park City   
• $30,000 - Stearns   
• $29,724 - Hyden  
• $27,250 - Irvine and Ravenna   
• $26,400 - Livermore  
• $25,000 - Elizabethtown   
• $15,000 - Pikeville 

Last year, Gov. Beshear signed legislation allocating $720,000 in funding to support a new Kentucky Trail Town grant program. Certified Kentucky Trail Towns are eligible for up to $30,000 in funding for recreational projects, including trail development and maintenance, project enhancements and marketing efforts.  

Brownsville plans to use grant funding to enhance accessibility for travelers by providing an ADA-compliant launch ramp, as well as new signage, a trailhead bike rack, community events and marketing initiatives. Venessa Ulm, director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and representative of Brownsville Trail Town, highlighted the importance of improving access to trails and waterways.  

“The Edmonson County Tourism Commission is committed to providing accessibility and ease of movement while on the trails in our community. Our natural terrain offers a variety of exciting trails, which means trail identification, signage and maintenance are pivotal for providing the ultimate trail town experience,” said Ulm. “Time on the trails has the ability to connect us with nature, encourage healthy lifestyles and offer opportunities to relish in the local flavor of our communities, and this generous grant will allow us to greatly enhance our efforts in these endeavors as our community and visitors continue to seek a bevy of outdoor experiences.” 

Elizabethtown will utilize grant funding for trail enhancements, promotion of local events, and signage installation. Janna Clark, executive director of Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau, emphasized creating safer spaces to maintain a vibrant trail town community.  

“Boosting funding for our trail system is crucial to sustaining our thriving trail tourism economy. We deeply appreciate Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky legislature for their continued support of our Greenspace Organization,” said Clark. “By keeping our natural trails safe, well-maintained and accessible, we provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of our community up close, fostering a deeper connection with our region.” 

The Kentucky Trail Town program is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities. Each Trail Town has made the public commitment to share their outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories with guests seeking adventure. 

The 30 certified Kentucky Trail Towns are: Berea; Brownsville; Burkesville; Campbellsville; Cave City and Horse Cave; Columbia; Dawson Springs; Elizabethtown; Elkhorn City; the Harlan County Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch; Hazard; Hyden; Irvine and Ravenna; Jamestown; Liberty; Leitchfield; Livermore; Livingston; London; Manchester; McKee; Morehead; Morgantown; Munfordville; Olive Hill; Park City; Pikeville; Royalton; Slade; and Stearns.  

Today’s Kentucky Trail Town award announcement builds on recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, including within the tourism industry.  

Last year, to capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear?announced?New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.? 

During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed?legislation releasing $71 million for capital construction projects at Kentucky State Parks, including building systems upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed?a bill allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks. 

In 2024, the Governor?announced?that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and sustained 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year. 

In December 2024, Gov. Beshear?announced?that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.? 

Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.? 

In 2022, Gov. Beshear?announced?$75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated?$5.3 million in federal funding?to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.? 

For more information on Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov. For more information on exploring Kentucky’s great outdoors, including Kentucky Trail Towns, visit Kentuckytourism.com.