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HomeNewsLand Between the Lakes Trail Bridge Project Benefits Visitors and Local Economy

Land Between the Lakes Trail Bridge Project Benefits Visitors and Local Economy

Land Between the LakesGolden Pond, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area recently completed an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded project to replace 17 trail bridges.  The Trail Bridge Demolition and Replacement Project will provide visitors with better access to the great outdoors while stimulating the local economy.

“Replacing these trail bridges has helped restore safe access to five separate trail systems in Kentucky and Tennessee,” stated Bill Ryan, LBL’s OHV and Trails Manager.  “The project has also been a huge success in helping bring large special events such as dog sled trials, two national championship adventure races, three mountain bike races, a motorized dual sport ride, and numerous civil war reenactment groups to LBL.”

In addition to reducing LBL’s deferred maintenance by $643,000, the project also helped achieve the ARRA goal of stimulating the local economy. The Forest Service contracted with one major construction company, which hired two different bridge manufacturers to produce the trail bridges. The project also increases trail access to school groups and other users to enjoy and learn about the great outdoors. The trail opportunities provided to these groups increase visitation to our region by bringing thousands of visitors to the area, thus stimulating economic growth in our gateway communities.            

LBL invites visitors to come out and see some of the new trail bridges on our popular Canal Loop Trail, North/South Trail, and the paved trail near Hillman Ferry Campground.  Grab your hiking boots, bike, or jogging stroller and get moving in the great outdoors!

About Land Between the Lakes

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.

Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1.800.LBL.7077 or 270.924.2000.

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