The Perry County Fiscal Court has been awarded funds to help grow tourism in the area. $1.5 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help cover the construction of the Rowdy Trailhead and Campground Project.
The money will go towards building an RV campground at the trailhead of Perry County’s ATV trails, which connect 75 miles of pathways through Breathitt, Knott, Floyd, and Magoffin counties.
Perry County Judge Executive Scott Alexander said the plan is to expand on that system of trails.
“We will see trails added each year into the system. So even if you come and ride the first three or four years, you’ve not rode the trails out. We’re going to continue to adopt new trails in that links us up with other counties who are doing this as well,” said Alexander.
Officials estimate the project will create 38 jobs and nearly 25,000 overnight stays in the first year.
Judge Executive Alexander said that kind of traffic will spur growth in the private sector.
“Such as a dairy bar or a little convenience store with gas and possible cabin rentals as the lots become full and you’ve still got people wanting to come. We think the community will buy in and start into the private sector in that area as well,” said Alexander.
The POWER Award money will help build 30 camp sites and several communal facilities at the trailhead, located off highway 476 in the Rowdy community.
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