Kentucky River locks and dams Nos. 1 through 4 opened to boaters on May 22 for the first time since major renovation work began in 2007.
Now 82 miles of the Kentucky River are navigable from Frankfort to its mouth at the Ohio River.
“The Kentucky River is such a wonderful natural asset,” said Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Lori H. Flanery. “I’m pleased that our hard work to repair the locks and dams can now be enjoyed by boaters from near and far. This is another aspect of tourism with the potential to positively impact businesses along the river.”
Since opening on Memorial Day weekend, more than 1,200 people on 295 boats have passed through the locks. On average it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to “lock through.”
“I grew up on the river and can remember all the boats that used to travel along the river,” said Jerry Graves, executive director of the Kentucky River Authority. “To be a part of bringing the river back to life has been a wonderful experience and I’m excited that people are being adventurous from the Ohio to Frankfort.”
Several upcoming events are planned that celebrate the river including the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and River Blast in Frankfort. Also, everyone is invited to participate in the various river sweep clean-up events in different communities along the river.
Saturday, June 20: River Sweep
Friday, June 26: 3 p.m. Ribbon-cutting Ceremony at Lock 4 in Frankfort
Saturday, June 27: River Blast, Frankfort
For more information about river navigation, locking information, amenities along the river, and river sweep events, go to: http://www.kra.ky.gov
(story provided by Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet)
