A major announcement in Dubois could impact business, industry and culture across northcentral Pennsylvania.

For several months, an ad-hoc committee has been working on a plan which they hoped would make it into the state budget. That plane has now become reality.

The structure would host both a convention center and a cultural center such as a theater. The idea is to bring the space together to increase the quality of life for people not only in Dubois, but the entire region.

The plan includes a proposed $15 million complex. Engineers have looked at four proposed sites in Dubois, Sandy Township and Washington Township, but the exact locations have not yet been disclosed.

The center could draw conventions and trade shows, not only regionally, but also nationally and internationally.

Funding will come from a state budget line-item grant that survived the budget trimming process in July. It does require a local match.

Officials said it could potentially be years before construction begins. The committee will await the results of the engineers' feasibility study, then select one of four sites being considered.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.