Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
Tax Incentive Approved For Jim Beam Distillery Visitor Center

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Tourism Development Authority today approved a tax incentive for a new visitor center at Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Ky.

The $15 million project will include a new entrance road, an expanded visitor center and gift shop and a new interpretive center, according to Jim Beam Noe, the plant’s engineer.

The plant currently attracts about 80,000 tourists a year and a consultant estimated that would more than double with the improvements, which are expected to be completed in 2012. Noe told the authority work would begin soon on the project and some parts would be open next year.

Marcheta Sparrow, the secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, said the project would be a boost to tourism, particularly the Bourbon Trail, a collection of the state’s bourbon distilleries that offer tours.

“This will help all of the other partners on the Bourbon Trail,” Sparrow said.

The consultant’s report estimated that the state would get $2.2 million in revenues over a 10-year period and that Beam would be able to receive $1.2 million in tax refunds over the same period.

Created in 2001, the seven member authority is responsible for the oversight of projects participating under the Kentucky Tourism Development Act.  The authority is also responsible for applicants for credits under the Kentucky Tourism Development Loan Program.  The loan program is designed to assist small tourism attractions obtain credits necessary to establish a new attraction or expand existing attractions.  There are currently in excess of $1.2 million available under the program. For more information contact Todd Cassidy at 502-564-4270.

--30--