GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Niagara Falls Info Center was once the place in Grand Island where travelers could get information on Niagara region attractions.

It's been closed for years, but the state wants to build a new, state-of-the-art welcome center on a parcel of land on Whitehaven Road right off I-190.

"I saw the preliminary renderings, the very preliminary renderings. It's gonna be a big center. It's pretty neat," said Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray.

McMurray said what the state is proposing is not your typical rest stop.

"Well, those places are fine and they provide good services and food, but we're talking about something different," McMurray said. "We're talking about a place that highlights more of the history -- not just a plaque not just a a sign. There's gonna be digital kiosks where people can look and learn about Western New York and Grand Island."

While highlighting the region's past, the new center could also boost the area's future financially, McMurray feels.

"So we have these businesses that can thrive, and if we get people off the boulevard or off the Thruway and see these businesses, I think it'd be great for Grand Island," said McMurray.

Jack West owns Jackson Music. He's been on Grand Island Boulevard for more than 30 years and has seen the ups and downs.

"I think it's an awesome idea," West said. "Anything that brings more business to Grand Island and brings the masses. The more people to see the other businesses on the island, awesome!"

McMurray said project details are still being worked out. The initial cost is about $8 million. He said if all goes according to plan, the center could be done in 2018.