NATURAL ARCH — Fifth Dist. Rep. Hal Rogers made several appearances in McCreary County last Wednesday, making funding announcements and cutting the ribbon to reopen the Natural Arch Recreation Area.
The Natural Arch area has been closed throughout much of the summer for construction and upgrades to recreational facilities at the site. The most recent upgrades at Natural Arch include the construction of a new concrete trail system for increased accessibility; rehabilitation of the overlook and all picnic sites; new drinking fountains; new playground, horseshoe pits, and grill areas; and electricity expanded to two picnic shelters and the amphitheater. Improvement efforts began in 2006.
Stearns District Ranger Fred Noack welcomed the crowd gathered at the new amphi-theater and spoke of the Forest Service’s continuing partnership with McCreary County government and tourism officials in particular.
“This recreation area benefits the local community and provides a significant attraction for tourists traveling through the area,” said Fred Noack, District Ranger at Stearns. “It serves as an excellent location for daytime events, such as family reunions, weddings and other special gatherings.”
Daniel Boone National Forest Supervisor Frank Beum recognized all who had worked on the project before introducing Congressman Rogers, who had helped secure $680,000 for the project.
“I remember when I was courting in high school, Natural Arch was one of the major attractions in the area,” Rogers said. “I want to thank all of you for making this beautiful park even more beautiful.”
Earlier in the afternoon, Rogers was at the McCreary County RECC building, where he announced $905,000 in Eastern Kentucky PRIDE funding for a sewer project on Williamsburg Street.
The McCreary County Water District will construct a pressurized sanitary sewer system to serve approximately 120 existing households as well as eliminate 50 failing septic systems and 30 straight pipes. Total cost for the project is $1.505 million with the remaining $600,000 obtained through the State Revolving Fund loan program from the Kentucky Division of Water.
Rep. Rogers also announced three Environmental Education Grants for McCreary County: $3,500 to Pine Knot Primary School for a recycling program and greenhouse enhancements; $2,747.92 to Pine Knot Intermediate School for a recycling program; and $2,640 to the McCreary County Extension Service to help the county’s 5th graders building birdhouses and feeders as well as sending 80 7th graders to a 4-H environmental camp next spring.
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Janie Slaven
Natural Arch is reopened
Recreation area sports major improvements to accommodate tourists
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