WEST, THAYER ANNOUNCE $39M INVESTMENT FOR KENTUCKY HORSE PARK
Transformative funding supports upgrades to facility
FRANKFORT, KY (April 10, 2024)—Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, and Senate Majority Floor Leader DamonThayer, R-Georgetown, announced transformative funding allocations for improvements to the Kentucky Horse Park on Wednesday. This investment will enhance its facilities, amenities, and overall visitor experience.
An investment of $36 million, $18 million in each fiscal year, will be awarded to the Kentucky Horse Park Commission facility upgrades to be allocated as follows
- $2.5 million for the renovation of the restaurant,
- $15 million for the replacement of competition barns and stalls,
- $7 million for the renovation of entertainment pavilions,
- $5 million for the replacement of campground sites and bathhouse,
- $1.5 million for a maintenance pool, and
- $5 million for the renovation of the International Museum of the Horse.
The biennial state budget, House Bill (HB) 6, also authorizes $3 million through the Kentucky Horse Park’s maintenance pool for a total investment of $39 million.
Of the total, $36 million is provided through HB 1, which utilizes Kentucky’s $3.7 billion budget reserve trust fund to boost infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, among other priorities. The legislation invested over $2.7 billion from the budget reserve trust.
The latest funding is in addition to the $21 million secured by West and Thayer in the 2022 Regular Session, which has resulted in numerous improvements to the park over the past two years.
“The Kentucky Horse Park is a testament to our state's equestrian heritage, attracting over half a million visitors annually,” West said. “This funding will help preserve the park’s historical significance, boost tourism, and support the local economy. I look forward to these upgrades as we further solidify our standing as the Horse Capital of the World.”
“This funding will bring transformational change to the Kentucky Horse Park and help ensure it remains competitive with other states,” Thayer said. “Our horse park is a global attraction, and the success of our horse racing industry highlights the necessity for ongoing improvements. I look forward to seeing the results these dollars will bring.”
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