Regional Tourism continues to play an important role in building a 21st Century Appalachia.  Through the work of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR), communities are sharing ideas and building a comprehensive plan that will make Appalachia Kentucky a tourism destination.

Through the support of three Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot program grants, three projects in Appalachia Kentucky received substantial funding in 2017 to enhance tourism-related activities in their respective communities.  This included $1.95 million to the development of the South Fork Elk View water line and campground in Breathitt County; $1.95 million to the city of Prestonsburg for the development of the Rails to Trails project, which will build a trail from the city of Prestonsburg to the town of David in Floyd County; and $1.95 million to the Royalton Trail Town, Inc. for the development of a campsite and recreational area near the Dawkins Line Rail Trail and the Licking River.

The announcements were made by SOAR Co-Chair Congressman Hal Rogers, who has led efforts to champion $195 million in federal funding through the AML Pilot program over the last two years. The grants are administered through the Energy and Environment cabinet through the office of the Governor and SOAR Co-Chair Matt Bevin.