BREATHITT COUNTY INVENTORY AND ACTION PLAN FOR ADVENTURE TOURISM INITIATIVE
STATE SCENIC BYWAY DESIGNATION EFFORTS TO GAIN FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
PROPOSED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
In preliminary conversations with county officials, it was determined that Breathitt County proposed to build a visitor information center at the intersection of Highway 15 and 1098 near the community of Quicksand. TEA-21 funds are available to construct welcome centers if the center is located along a scenic byway. To this end, the Breathitt County Action Team was approached and agreed to assist in this effort. The consultant and one of the members of the Action Team traveled the roads and determined that the best route for a scenic byway was along Highways 15, 1098 and 80 actually crossing into both Perry and Knott Counties and creating a loop which started and ended at the site of the proposed visitor information center.
PROPOSED ROUTE FOR SCENIC BYWAY IS NOTED IN PURPLE.
A few of the sites along the way include two elk viewing stations, suspension bridges, creeks, barns, a drive-in theater, an entertainment park with water slides, swimming pool, bowling alley and more, as well as multiple businesses which offer both the rental and purchase of all-terrain vehicles. The redbuds and dogwoods lining both Highways 80 and 15 along with the breathtaking autumn colors along all three roads create a beautiful drive both Spring and Fall.
ACTION TAKEN: Thus far, through the efforts of individuals on the Breathitt County Action Team, over 1,500 citizens have signed petitions in support of the scenic byway.
