AMERICUS —
The fate of the Plains Visitors Information Center (VIC), remains unknown, but as the General Assembly continues its work during this session, people back home are championing the effort to keep the Plains VIC open.
In the Governor’s proposed budget, VICs in Plains and Sylvania are being considered for closure, a move which will save the state $241,636, according to the Governor’s Budget.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s 11 VICs serve as “a gateway to the state and are the first point of contact for many visitors.” These centers are located in Augusta, Columbus, Kingsland, Lavonia, Plains, Ringgold, Savannah, Tallapoosa, Valdosta, West Point and Sylvania.
According to information from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Plains and Sylvania have the lowest visitation numbers out of the 11 centers.
President Jimmy Carter was asked to comment on the possible closure.
“Plains is a National Historic Site, and the only official state school is located here,” he said in a prepared statement. “The National Park Service is eager to own and operate the Welcome Center, and legislation is pending in the U.S. Congress to authorize the transfer of the Welcome Center from the state of Georgia to this federal government agency. As Senator George Hooks has emphasized, there is a special state law that covers sustained operation of the Welcome Center, and the citizens of Plains hope that the governor and legislature will continue its operation until this transfer can be implemented.”
Ruth Sanders, coordinator of Plains Better Hometown, offered this: “My biggest thing is that people don’t understand that ours is a destination welcome center. The difference in numbers on the interstates is that people are pulling in for gas or the restroom. Here, they’re coming to see us.
“We’re getting a bad rap as far as numbers, as many as they see in Atlanta and on roads coming into the interstate. While we’re not going to see those numbers, we do serve a purpose. We have a former president and that’s our purpose. I hate to see them close it for that reason.”
State Rep. Mike Cheokas told the Times-Recorder that he has partnered with Rep. John Burns in an effort to keep the Plains VIC open.
Mill Simmons, a native and life-long resident of Plains, said, “We certainly don’t want to close. We feel like it (the VIC) brings lifeblood into the town. Tourism is so important to South Georgia. When they stop there (at the VIC), they can get the feel of the area. Local, home-grown people can give them insights into Plains and Sumter County, and can give recommendations on the area. We support the welcome center and don’t want to see it leave.
“Sumter County is depressed. We need jobs and we need to get the word out to the public about area attractions,” Simmons said.
Simmons also mentioned that there’s some good news, too, as two new restaurants are open in Plains.
Dylan’s Diner, located at the former site of Mom’s Kitchen, is open Friday and Saturday nights and for Sunday lunch. He said the Buffalo Cafe, downtown, is also opening. The cafe is named after the Plains High School mascot and will include historic photographs and other memorabilia in its decor.
Local News
Fate of Plains welcome center still unknown
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