The new center, Gould said, will change the impact the hatchery has on people. “What we’re doing here is a large step in making people care about the environment,” he said. “The thing about this facility is that it connects people with nature.”

The funds obtained by Blunt and Bond will pay for but a part of the total $3.75 million cost of the center. It is expected to be completed in one year.

The center will have the capability of serving 100,000 visitors per year, about 60,000 more than the hatchery currently sees.

The hope, officials said, is not only that the center will enrich the community in and around Neosho, but also that it will boost tourism, especially with its proximity to the George Washington Carver National Monument at Diamond.

“It’s going to be good for the community and increase tourism,” said David Hendrix, hatchery manager.

Tee Harrison, a Neosho resident, was at the ceremony with some family members to celebrate the project.

“I’m really excited about this,” she said. “It’s something to do — for kids, adults, everybody.”

Historic hatchery

The Neosho National First Hatchery was established in 1888.