Video & Transcript Research : 'R.S. 14:313.2'

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KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Kentucky State Parks owns the primary electrical infrastructure of 14 parks.
  • 07.480><c> of</c> the primary electrical infrastructure of the primary electrical infrastructure of 14
  • 14 14 Parks<00:37:10.240><c> the</c><00:37:10.400><c> age</c><00:37:10.640><c> and</c><00:37:11.040>
Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (2-25-26)

Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • &gt;&gt; Yes.<00:14:30.240><c> House</c><00:14:30.480><c> Bill</c><00:14:30.800><c> 469</c><00:14:31.680
  • House Bill 469 passes with the expression<00:14:32.880><c> of</c><00:14:33.040><c> opinion</c><00:14:
  • :14:34.720><c> the</c><00:14:34.880><c> House</c><00:14:35.120><c> floor</c><00:14:36.079><c> with</c
  • the committee<00:14:36.800><c> sub</c><00:14:37.120><c> attached</c><00:14:37.519><c> there</c><00:14
  • </c><00:14:47.040><c> Our</c><00:14:47.279><c> next</c><00:14:47.440><c> bill</c><00:14:47.760><c> for