Fairbanks leaders envision state-of-art visitor center

FAIRBANKS (AP) -- The city's civic leaders are proposing a state-of-the-art visitor and transportation center to appeal to tourists and residents alike.

City representatives, the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the state Department of Transportation and private business have joined forces to create the center, which they believe will highlight the Interior's rich history.

''The hope is to create a consolidated center to enhance the visitor experience and be a benefit to local residents also,'' said Chris Haigh, city engineer and project manager.

Plans call for combining the Alaska Public Land Information Center and the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau. Officials unveiled a display Monday that featured posters outlining suggested locations of the center and a proposed layout. The center would offer visitors information on activities, plus retail space.

The project has been funded by a $68,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation and $6,700 from the city.

The team is looking at about a dozen proposed locations. It plans to have the list narrowed down by mid-June.