Efforts are underway by Russell County’s two state lawmakers to reverse a decision by the state to close Lake Cumberland State Park, beginning next week.
As WJRS News reported Wednesday morning, the State Park announced on social media on Tuesday it was closing all facilities at the park, effective June 1st, so the park could provide housing to low-acuity COVID-19 patients who needed to self-isolate in the event of a resurgence in the coronavirus.
State Representative Jeff Hoover and State Senator Max Wise both expressed their displeasure about the announcement and jointly sent a letter yesterday morning to Governor Andy Beshear and the Secretary of Tourism Mike Berry saying the decision to close Lake Cumberland State Park, even if temporary, was not acceptable.
Both Hoover and Wise requested the state consider alternative plans, rather than temporary closing of the park.
Last night, Hoover said he had two very good conversations with the Governor’s Office yesterday and expressed the concerns that he, Senator Wise, and many others had about the proposed closing. Hoover and Wise said the decision just did not make sense as Lake Cumberland State Park is one of the two parks in the state park system which consistently generates revenue for the state.
In their letter to the Governor, Hoover and Wise pointed out how important the park was to Russell County and the area, and that the park closure would have a significant negative impact on the local economy and tourism in this area.
Hoover told WJRS News last night the Governor’s office assured him the policy announced on Tuesday was being considered and re-evaluated, especially considering the declining numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the state.
A copy of the letter from Hoover and Wise to the Governor can be seen here
