June 26, 2008
IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Tourism Office using federal funds for I-70 Welcome Centers

More than $900,000 in Transportation Enhancement Program funding and $145,000 in Scenic Byway Program funding from the Federal Highway Administration will help the Tourism Office complete reconstruction of its two Welcome Centers – eastbound and westbound – on I-70 near Myersville, along the crest of South Mountain.

The reconstruction projects are designed to update and improve visitor services at the centers. Both I-70 facilities were built during the 1970s. When completed, the centers will have a more contemporary look and provide visitors with an impressive view of Maryland attractions, accommodations and services.

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New media rooms will allow visitors to take a video tour of the region and supply WI-FI connections to the Internet. Outdoor kiosks will offer visitors 24-hour access to travel information. Other exterior exhibits will promote the state’s Civil War heritage and spotlight recreational opportunities in the area, as well as cultural attractions.

The I-70 Welcome Centers closed April 30 to accommodate the dual construction projects. They are scheduled to re-open in fall 2009. In the meantime, a temporary Welcome Center has opened at Prime Outlets Hagerstown.

Nearly 1.5 million visitors used the two I-70 centers last year to obtain travel information.