County receives $711K grant for improvements to Stony Lonesome

MONTGOMERY,

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Ala. – The Cullman County Commission was awarded a Recreational Trails Program grant for more than $700,000 for improvements to Stony Lonesome OHV Park. The grant was announced by Gov. Kay Ivey’s office on Thursday, Aug. 28. According to the media release, the funds will be used for improvements including new cabins, safety equipment and storage facilities.

“The Recreational Trails Program grant will help the Cullman County Commission purchase eight prefabricated cabins, a small rescue vehicle and a drone to aid in rescues. The County will also construct a storage facility for all-terrain vehicles and campers and another storage facility for park equipment,” said the release. “The total amount of the grant is $711,539, and Cullman County will contribute a local match of $177,539.”

“Stony Lonesome was the first park of its kind in the state and continues to be a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts from all over,” Ivey said. “These additions will no doubt increase its popularity while enhancing visitor safety and convenience. I am pleased to support these upgrades.”

Stony Lonesome OHV Park is more than 1,456 acres and has trails for ATVs, rock crawlers, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, equestrians and hikers. It opened in 2009 with the help of a Recreational Trails Program grant. The County received another grant in 2021 to purchase the trail construction and maintenance equipment that will be housed in one of the new storage buildings. A second storage facility will allow visitors to keep their vehicles on-site. Revenue from cabin and storage facility rentals will be used for park upkeep and trail development.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and is administered in the state by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“These park improvements will provide visitors with a richer experience and almost certainly boost tourism to Cullman County,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Kay Ivey in support of this effort to enhance outdoor recreation options.”

Ivey’s office said the governor notified Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons that the grant had been approved.