Bill > HB808

This bill establishes the Burnside Island Development Authority (BIDA), a new independent municipal corporation focused on developing and promoting recreational facilities around General Burnside Island State Park in Pulaski County, Kentucky. The authority will be governed by a 16-member board representing various local and state entities, including representatives from state agencies, local governments, and economic development organizations. The primary purpose of BIDA is to develop, finance, operate, and promote lodging, restaurants, recreational amenities, and infrastructure on the 430-acre island, including plans for an 18-hole golf course, with the goal of increasing economic development and tourism. The bill allows BIDA to enter into public-private partnerships, acquire and manage property, issue bonds, set user fees, and assume administrative functions from the Department of Parks. Importantly, any bonds issued by the authority will not constitute state debt and will be payable solely from the revenue generated by the project. The Department of Parks will continue to operate the park initially and will eventually redesignate the area as a state resort park once lodging and restaurant facilities are substantially complete. Board members will serve three-year terms without compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and the authority is set to operate for an initial five-year period, with potential renewal by the General Assembly.

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https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb808.html