Provo » The city of Highland is paying a lobbyist $5,000 a month to push for funding for a visitor center and administrative building near the mouth of American Fork Canyon.

Lobbyist Bill Simmons says stimulus funds proposed by President Barack Obama could be directed toward the project at the canyon's mouth.

The building -- which would cost around $8 million -- would include administrative offices for Timpanogos Cave National Monument, a U.S. Forest Service ranger station and visitor services.

Highland Mayor Jay Franson urged the council to hire a lobbyist to find money for the project. He says he's hoping Highland can become an important gateway to the park and national forest, similar to Springdale's role outside Zion National Park.

Highland, a city of about 15,000 people, is about 26 miles south of Salt Lake City.

The Associated Press