There are plans to renovate a portion of Putnam Hall and make a welcome center for tourists and to boost the local economy.

Congressman John W. Olver (D-Amherst) announced recently that the House of Representatives approved $329,000 for that purpose. The bill is expected to pass the Senate and become law.

Renovations of a portion of the first floor of the building, located on West Main Street, will be done by North Quabbin Woods, which is part of the non-profit New England Forestry Foundation. The renovated section would be used for an expanded showroom for local wood products and other local products.

The renovation is a demonstration project with the welcome center promoting downtown and regional recreation. It will house a gallery and retail space for local wood products, and be a showcase to help architects and builders better understand uses for native wood species.

The basement of the building will be converted into a workshop for woodworker training as well as containing woodworking equipment available for use by local craftsmen.

North Quabbin Woods is working with the town and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments to renovate the historic, town-owned 39,399-square-foot brick building.

Other tenants will be sought to occupy the upper floors of the five-story building, plans which will be phased in at a later date.

North Quabbin Woods will seek additional state and federal grants related to economic development and value-added wood products for the project.

The project is part of the work of the North Quabbin Ecotourism Task Force, which is a partnership of local organizations, businesses, North Quabbin Woods and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce.