New York State announced a 9 million dollar makeover is planned for the route 17 rest area in Nichols.

They call it a "building block for tourism".

Local and state leaders say 15 thousand people visit Tioga Downs each week, right across the highway, and that made the project a must.

Construction will include the expected rest stop essentials, as well as a tourist information center.

The 9 million dollar project is expected to be finished by 2010.