U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon has secured $200,000 in a federal transportation bill to help build a welcome center along state Highway 52 that will house the Macon County Chamber of Commerce, the historical society and public meeting space.

"Macon County is a great place to live and raise a family," said Gordon, dean of the state's congressional delegation. "The scenery is breathtaking, and the quality of life is good."

"We are fortunate to have an active chamber of commerce that understands the need to promote the area so top-notch companies that pay good salaries can recognize the opportunities available here. That's why it's important to have a facility like the one proposed with the welcome center."

Officials are planning to build a 3,000 square foot welcome center/chamber office on Highway 52.

"The welcome center will be a great economic development tool for us," Macon County Mayor Glen Donoho said. Lafayette, Red Boiling Springs-we're all working together on this. It's a major project for the county, and we appreciate Congressman Gordon's help on this."

Paul Thompson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Tri-County Electric Membership Corp. and the immediate past president of the Macon County Chamber of Commerce, said the facility should be an ideal setting to bolster tourism and economic development efforts.

"That's the main entrance to town and the growth area," Thompson explained. "We will be able to distribute information about the community from there and provide visitors with most anything they need to acquaint themselves with Macon County."

Thompson further explained the project by adding "the construction of a Welcome Center/Chamber Office for Macon County was one of the primary goals established by the Chamber Board of Directors during my term as president of the chamber. Grant applications were submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Services and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. We contracted Congressman Gordon for assistance and were grateful that he was willing to provide letters and make phone calls on our behalf to these agencies. We never dreamed that he would become one of our strongest promoters and sponsor funding at the federal level. We deeply appreciate all that he has done and continues to do in support of Macon County."

Approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 10, the legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration. Gordon said that assets like good infrastructure and a good business environment are vital in efforts to bring more, good paying jobs to the area.

"This is the kind of project that should benefit the entire county and enhance quality of like," Gordon said. "I will continue working with local, state and federal officials to make sure Macon County has the resources it needs to bring good jobs to the area and improve the lives of its residents."