State funding could bring new life to the historic Herkimer County Jail.

Standing since 1834, the jail is used for tours, and is known as part of Herkimer's Historic Four Corners. Its where convicted killer Chester Gillette stayed, whose case continues to draw people in, and inspired the novel, "An American Tragedy".

A project to restore the jail was given almost a $240,000 bump through the state's REDC Awards. The hope is to fix deteriorating areas, and open up the basement for public tours.

"We'll be able to expand and really tell the whole story of the jail because there was a lot of activity down in that section," said Friends of Historic Herkimer County Treasurer Katherine Nichols.

Several thousand dollars still need to be raised as the entire project is expected to cost $320,000.