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House Budget Review Subcommittee presses state parks for project accounting, seeks monthly updates
Summary
At its Feb. 10, 2026 meeting the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy heard a presentation on Kentucky State Parks capital projects and asked the Department of Parks, Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet for detailed spending, completion counts and monthly status reports.
Representative Chris Fugate, chair of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy, called for more detailed accounting of Kentucky State Parks capital projects after a departmental presentation on Feb. 10, 2026 in Room 171 of the Capitol Annex.
Mark Kellen, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet (TAHC), and Scott Baker, Executive Director of Facility Development in the Finance and Administration Cabinet, presented information on ongoing capital projects and available committee materials. Following the presentation, Fugate asked for specifics “regarding the capital projects, including usage of appropriations already received, how many projects were completed, and amount of remaining funds, if any,” and requested that the legislature receive monthly updates on project status.
Vice Chair Shawn McPherson said he appreciated the transparency and urged prudence on future spending, stating that “the funds already received should be spent before more is appropriated.” Commissioner Kellen agreed, adding that the parks program currently encompasses “over six hundred projects,” which requires coordinated planning, particularly for assets in the hospitality sector.
Representative Adam Bowling asked for further details about bond authorizations that support park projects; Kellen said he would provide information on bond authorizations “as soon as possible.” Representative Bill Wesley inquired about specific work at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, noting ongoing projects including the bath houses; Kellen said additional information would be provided at a later date.
On a procedural matter, Representative Bill Wesley moved to approve the committee minutes from Feb. 3, 2026; the motion was seconded by Vice Chair Shawn McPherson and the minutes were approved without objection by voice vote.
The subcommittee scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Room 171 of the Capitol Annex. The meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM.
