We don't have that space here in this area. They want the adventure of a rustic old cabin, but they want that rustic old cabin to have wi-fi, a heated pool out back, and maybe somebody to cook for them. "The thought with this resort is the people out there that are actually spending the most money don't want to come to a rustic, old cabin. I know just from common sense that the more money you make, the more vacations you take in a year. “I know they are in that range because I know that we've got properties in the area that rent for $400 or $500 a night, and they don't have nearly as high of an occupancy rating as those that run between that $200 and $300 range. “Right now, the gorge attracts about 75,000 visitors a year, and those people hit an income range,” Abrams said. (Photo courtesy of Red River Economic Development) Some of the many cliffs popular with rock-climbers at the Red River Gorge. Projections also include attracting more than 500,000 visitors, generating more than $18 million in wages, and more than $79 million of local economic impact annually. Once completed, the project is anticipated to create more than 500 jobs. Developing a comprehensive branding and marketing strategyĪnchoring these efforts are plans for the full-service Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified resort complex offering lodging, conference facilities, adventure hubs, trail access, and other amenities to serve visitors.Investing in economic development in the gorge’s town. The 10-year master plan focuses on these main areas: We had seen some studies and some surveys, and in some of that was full-on data that was actually verifiable.” We had information, but it wasn't all the information, and it wasn't exactly accurate. When the project was first announced, there were a lot of folks that were pretty upset – I was one of them – that we didn't have all of the information. “A lot of folks thought that because the grant funding was made available, the project itself was further down the pipeline than it actually was. “The unique situation with this project is what actually brought it to the public’s attention way ahead of when these types of projects normally are,” she said. Still, as time went on and people learned more about the project, a lot of the opposition waned, including hers. Wolfe County Tourism Director Christie Abrams said a lot of the early opposition to the project resulted from the announcement’s timing. RED RIVER GORGE KENTUCKY SERIESRed River Economic Development LLC (RRED) in September 2020 released a master plan and feasibility study to analyze national and state tourism trends and evaluate a series of potential tourism development concepts for the gorge area to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The ARC calls the Gorge “undercapitalized” and specifically noting the lack of overnight accommodations. The planned resort is needed to boost the number of tourists and the revenue they bring to the area. An Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) report calling the Gorge the “Gateway to Eastern Kentucky” estimates thousands of climbers visit the gorge’s more than 100 natural arches and 900 miles of sandstone cliffs annually, generating a $3.6 million infusion into the regional economy. Located on the eastern edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the 42,000-acre preserve spans four counties – Wolfe, Lee, Powell and Menifee – and has long been a destination for people seeking outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, hiking, rock-climbing and more. Nearly 900 acres of land purchased recently for project.Community input and involvement has eased tensions between those for and against the development.Planned resort has price tag of $135 million.Red River Gorge spans 42,000 acres in four Kentucky counties.
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