Committee Approves Better Oklahoma Welcome

Visitors to Oklahoma would be welcomed by new improved points of entry under legislation approved by a House committee.

House Bill 2944 would create "First Impression Zones" at the state line to better proclaim Oklahoma's virtues.

"Oklahoma is a great state, but we often fail to tout that fact as aggressively as we should," said Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "By creating First Impression Zones, we will be able to sell Oklahoma's greatness in a concentrated, focused way that ultimately increases tourism and boosts our state economy."

The proposal is a result of Cargill's 100 Ideas initiative,which solicited ideas from the citizens of Oklahoma.

If House Bill 2944 becomes law, the First Impression Zones would provide information about the growth of the state, the history ofthe state, cultural features, travel amenities, and tourism opportunities to travelers and the public when they first enter Oklahoma at major points of entry along interstate highways. The legislation calls for information to be distributed using various methods and media including, but not limited to, signs, billboards, radio broadcasts, audio-visual materials, electronic kiosks, interactive electronic data, and podcasts.

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