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SR 185

A RESOLUTION recognizing that economic development and tourism are interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Deneen and 6 co-sponsors

Encourages joint efforts by Kentucky's economic development and tourism cabinets to explore and report on expanding and potentially privatizing state parks to boost economic develo

adopted by voice vote
#economicdevelopment #parksandshrines #stateagencies #tourism
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 185

Summary of SR 185 (2026RS) – Kentucky Senate

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Kentucky, 2026 Regular Session (SR 185)
  • Sponsor(s): Includes multiple co-sponsors (Phillip Wheeler, Mike Wilson, Matt Nunn, Steve Rawlings, Shelley Frommeyer, Matt Deneen, Scott Madon)
  • Purpose: Recognize the interdependence of economic development and tourism, and urge collaboration between two state cabinets to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system.

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution acknowledges that economic development and tourism support one another.
  • It calls for joint work by the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to identify and pursue opportunities to enhance the Kentucky state park system.
  • It emphasizes leveraging improvements already made to parks to stimulate local economic activity.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  1. Recognizes the State Park System’s Significance

    • Highlights that Kentucky’s state park system is extensive (established in 1924) with:
      • Over 45 parks and historic sites
      • 17 resort parks with lodges
      • 13 golf courses
    • Notes current employment: about 650 full-time employees plus seasonal staff.

  2. Context of Past and Ongoing Investments

    • References 2016 appropriation of $18 million for safety, infrastructure, and aesthetics as part of the “Refreshing the Finest Effort.”
    • Indicates that since 2016, lawmakers have authorized over $400 million for major park overhauls, addressing:
      • Campground upgrades
      • Utility improvements
      • Broadband connectivity

  3. Policy and Partnership Focus

    • Encourages exploration of new ways to enhance economic development and tourism within the state park system.
    • Specifically seeks consideration of:
      • Private-public partnerships (PPPs)
      • Detailed assessment of the return on investment (ROI) from partnerships
      • Potential privatization of parks
      • Real property issues including ownership, lease obligations, and land restrictions
      • Additional infrastructure development

  4. Reporting and Timeline

    • Requires the two cabinets to submit recommendations on:
      • Private-public partnerships
      • ROI details from partnerships
      • Privatization prospects
      • Real property issues and land restrictions
      • Further infrastructure development
    • Deadline: Submissions due to the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment by November 1, 2026.
    • The Clerk of the Senate is tasked with transmitting a copy of the resolution to the relevant cabinet secretaries.

Who/What is Affected

  • Entities:
    • Cabinet for Economic Development
    • Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
    • Interactions with private sector for partnerships and investments
    • Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment (for reporting)
  • Public/Constituents:
    • Local communities and tourism-related businesses connected to state parks
    • Visitors and potential investors considering PPPs or privatization options

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The resolution is non-binding but directs agencies to collaborate and report.
  • Deadline for recommendations: November 1, 2026.
  • Next steps are administrative and informational, culminating in a report to the specified legislative committee.

Potential Impact

  • Signals legislative interest in leveraging park system improvements for economic growth and tourism.
  • Could lead to:
    • Increased PPP activity or privatization discussions for state parks
    • clearer ROI frameworks guiding future park-related investments
    • clarity on property rights, leases, and land-use constraints affecting park development
  • May influence budgetary and policy decisions around park maintenance, expansion, and community partnerships.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language briefing version for elected officials, or a side-by-side comparison with current park financing and management policies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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