LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- On the same day Kentucky celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of its first state park, Gov. Andy Beshear made a push for more funding for Kentucky's green spaces at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park.
During his remarks Friday morning, Beshear said close to $65 million needs to be allocated to improve the state's parks and recreation areas. Beshear pointed out that Kentucky's parks saw record numbers in 2022, and the state expects more high numbers once the figures come in for 2023.
He called on Kentucky legislators to fund this important recreation and tourism arm.
"These investments are critical," Beshear said. "We appreciate the steps that legislators took this week but we urge them to fully fund our state parks on this 100th anniversary."
The governor was flanked by parks employees and local leaders at the park during his address, during which he called on lawmakers to better fund the parks system in Kentucky.
Beshear said the budget recently presented by House legislators comes up short, underfunding the parks system by about $60 million and underfunding the budget to maintain and make repairs in parks by more than $5 million.
"Parks cannot operate without properly funding our employees, and the cut to vacant positions must be restored," said Lindy Casebier, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Beshear and local leaders reminded lawmakers that Kentucky's 45 state parks serve as economic drivers, community centers and tourism destinations. And, without additional funding, they wont have enough to pay their employees, causing the parks to suffer in the future.
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