FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote projects that boost quality of life in Kentucky communities while attracting visitors from across the commonwealth and around the world.

“Kentuckians and visitors alike deserve world-class opportunities to get outdoors, make memories and enjoy our beautiful state. Investing in our Trail Towns will make these experiences more accessible, while also contributing to our booming $13.8 billion tourism industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “These are the types of investments that improve quality of life for our families, help attract future business and travelers and drive more folks from across the world to make our state their new Kentucky home.”

This year, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 1, 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. The application process opens Sept. 3, 2024, with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2024. Applications will be available online and instructions will be sent directly to each certified Kentucky Trail Town.

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 of Kentucky’s 29 Trail Towns have made the public commitment to share their outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories with guests seeking adventure.