Kentucky State Parks are
set to reopen on Monday, June 1st,
although Lake Cumberland State Park will remain closed.
Governor Andy Beshear
announced on Friday the state’s plan to reopen parks, but stated
that Lake Cumberland State Park and Lake Barkley State Park in
western Kentucky would remain closed to assist in housing persons who
need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 but have no immediate housing
options.
The
announcement by Beshear on Friday is not good news for the Lake
Cumberland Tourist Commission in Russell County which relies on a
transient room tax to help fund their budget. Tourism Director
Janette Marson told WJRS News on Friday that there are about 400
available rooms in Russell County for lodging of tourists, and almost
half of those come from the state park. With the Memorial Day
holiday coming this weekend, Marson and others say the timing is not
good for the local economy.
WJRS News will have more
information from Marson on our newscasts tomorrow.