MADISON, Wis. -- Visitors to Wisconsin looking for ways to avoid road construction or find their way to Wisconsin Dells could continue posing their quandaries to a live person under a deal endorsed by local tourism officials.

The plan would provide money to help pay for workers in eight welcome centers around the state.

The state Department of Tourism earlier this month eliminated the 13 positions in a cost-savings move.

But grant money would be available to at least pay for some workers at the centers under a deal working its way through the Legislature.

Martha Mitchell, executive director of Visit Beloit, said she is studying ways to use the state grant money, along with some volunteers, to at least keep the Beloit welcome center staffed during busy travel times.