From http://www.kytc.state.ky.us/News/10-18-2002.htm :

ELLIOTT COUNTY, Ky.-(October 18, 2002)- State Senator Walter Blevins, Jr., State Representative Rocky Adkins, and Transportation Secretary James Codell, III along with other local and state officials held a groundbreaking ceremony in Elliott County today to celebrate the beginning of construction of the new Elliott County Welcome Center. This $431,000 center will be located at the confluence of Laurel Creek and Little Sandy River, 3 miles north of Sandy Hook on old route 7 & 32 or what is locally known as Laurel Cliffs & Curves Loop (county road #557).

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Elliott County Fiscal Court, Elliott County Cooperative Extension Service of University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Elliott County Heritage and Tourism Council along with Appalachian Regional Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, and Steel-Reese Foundation worked together to make this project possible.

Upon completion, the Elliott County Welcome Center will be known as the Elliott County Heritage & Cultural Center. The 3400 square feet center will contain many displays and exhibits depicting Elliott County’s history. Emphasis will be placed on education, transportation, arts, crafts, land use, and life in Elliott County.

Transportation Secretary James C. Codell, III said, "More and more, the Transportation Cabinet is given the opportunity to be a part of projects like this welcome center and we’re glad to participate. We can and are preserving our historic and natural treasures as they serve to educate us about our culture and remind us of the importance and beauty of our heritage and environment. The Federal Transportation Enhancement Program allows us to do these things for Elliott County."

Womack Development of Ashland was awarded the contract, and construction of the center is expected to be complete by spring 2003.