Local Tourism Awarded $30K for Trail Town Improvements

Darren Doyle, story:
In 2024, $720,000 in state funding was allocated for the support of a new Kentucky Trail Town grant program. Legislation allowed certified Kentucky Trail Towns eligibility up to $30,000 in funding for recreational projects, including trail development and maintenance, project enhancements and marketing efforts. Brownsville was recently named one of the 19 Trail Towns in Kentucky that will receive a portion of $543,374 in funding, which is the maximum award of $30K. 

According to a press release from Governor Andy Beshear's Office, 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. Vanessa Ulm, director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and representative of Brownsville Trail Town, highlighted the importance of improving access to trails and waterways.  

“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," she stated.

According to the release, 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. 

Neighboring towns Cave City, Horse Cave, and Park City were also awarded the maximum amount.

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.