From submitted reports
The Talihina Chamber of Commerce applied for a Byways Grant to help renovate the Rock House and five lots located on the corner of Dallas and First Street. The chamber was awarded a Byways Grant to complete the project. The amount of the grant is $492,203 with a $123,051 match making the total project $615,254.
These funds will be used as follows, construct a 37 X 37 building for restrooms, and storage, renovate the Rock House, interpretive displays and supplies, site construction such as landscaping, sidewalks, parking lot, and equipment for the inside.
A previous Byways grant was funded in the amount of $37,486 with a $7,497 match for a total of $44,983. These funds are for the design plans for the rehabilitation of the existing structure to be used as a Talimena Scenic Drive and Interpretive Center, the adjacent public restrooms, grounds, sidewalks and parking lot. Paperwork on this grant is almost complete, as soon as they are the bidding process can begin on this project. When the design work is completed and the renovation grant is funded, the project will be ready to move forward to completion.
This will be an asset to Talihina. This fall there were bus tours that wanted to eat and shop in Talihina, but because local restaurants and other businesses restrooms cannot accommodate a large bus load of people they chose to go to another town. With the addition of the public restrooms and parking lot, there will be a safe place for the buses to unload and plenty of restroom space. The grounds will also be a great place for those restaurants that are not located near the center to be able to cater meals to the bus traffic.
The chamber of commerce has worked hard and diligently to acquire these grants. The community has been supportive by donating the matching funds for the center.
For more information on the project or those who would like to donate towards its completion call the chamber at (918) 567-3434 or e-mail at chamber@talihinacc.com.
