A local non-profit organization announced this week that more than $252,000 in funding has been awarded to the group to improve the boat dock on Panbowl Lake.
Breathitt Area Rivers and Trails, Inc. (BART) received the grant from state and federal sources as part of the group's efforts to develop, maintain, and improve recreational opportunities in the county.
“We are a dedicated group of volunteers with no political agenda or political affiliation. We just want to improve the quality of life for residents of Jackson, Breathitt County, and our region,” member Tommy Noble posted on his social media account.
“We believe that our project will bring in needed tourists and their dollars,” Noble said.
According to sources, BART, in cooperation with the City of Jackson and the Breathitt County Fiscal Court, applied for several grants with the assistance of grant writers and specialists at the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD).
BART members said that the funds announced this week will be used at the boat dock on Lakeside Drive near Juniper Health and Dot Weld. The group plans improvements, including a picnic shelter, handicapped-accessible public restrooms, and a fish-cleaning station.
“We also plan on improving the lake bank with a walking trail, complete with benches, trash cans, and solar lights,” the statement on social media said. Security cameras and regular maintenance were a part of the grant request.
BART does not have a release date for the funds or the beginning of the work, but noted that “we will follow guidelines and be hiring professionals to assist with this endeavor.”
The current Board of Directors for the Breathitt Area Rivers and Trails group is J. B. Morgan, Gregory W. Haddix, Tim Spencer, and Jarrod Morgan.
Recent efforts to improve the lake's quality include trout releases and invasive weed abatement.
No project timeline has been announced.
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