Junction City ? Three years of work have yielded plans for a welcome center along Interstate 70 designed to draw more people to Kansas’ picturesque Flint Hills area.

Kansas Transportation Secretary announced the proposal Wednesday at a meeting in Junction City with representatives from Geary, Morris, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee and Riley counties.

KSAL-AM reports the Flint Hills Regional Welcome Center is to be located at Exit 313, the intersection with Kansas 177. The state route leads south into the heart of the Flint Hills, including Strong City, gateway to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

The welcome center is to have a gas station, convenience store, meeting space and other amenities. Plans also include a 90-foot observation tower.

Officials chose Exit 313 among a half-dozen possible locations between Junction City and Wamego.