WISE — Just days after two local men were convicted of burning down the beloved High Knob Observation Tower, county supervisors were asked to double their contribution to the tower rebuilding effort.

Rita McReynolds, a representative of the High Knob Enhancement Corp., told county supervisors that, since her last visit about a year ago, the group has raised about $108,000 toward its $500,000 goal — $15,000 of it from Wise County.

As supervisors set to work on the county’s 2009-10 budget, McReynolds is asking them to consider giving another $15,000 to help rebuild the landmark. Considering the county’s interest in expanding the local tourism industry, a dollar to the tower is a dollar well spent, McReynolds said.

“This could be a catalyst for tourism and marketing ideas, but first we have to rebuild the tower,” McReynolds told supervisors. More federal funds might be freed up to improve the area around the tower if the group is successful in making the replacement facility a reality, she said.

Board of supervisors Chairman Robby Robbins, who serves with McReynolds on the High Knob group’s board, said the U.S. Forest Service had initially been doubtful the citizen group could “even get started.”

“A lot of other projects just don’t come to fruition,” Robbins said. However, forest service officials have told him “this is one of the fastest moving programs they’ve ever seen — they can’t keep up with things as fast as they’re moving.”

Because the tower is on national forest land, those trying to rebuild it must work with the forest service, and must adhere to all federal rules for public hearings and planning. That process is lengthy, and efforts to raise half a million dollars won’t be finished overnight, Robbins pointed out.

“A lot of people think this is stalled out, that things aren’t moving. But we’re moving as fast as we can possibly move,” Robbins said. “It just takes time when you’re working with all these regulations.”

McReynolds reported that “those $5 checks just keep on coming” from average citizens, and that several companies have made sizable corporate donations. A 2008 benefit dinner also raked in some cash.

The non-profit group also is going after plenty of grants to help with the effort, she noted, some for as much as $100,000.

Along with Wise County, Scott County threw in $15,000 last year and the city of Norton gave $5,000. Both will be asked to double their money with contributions again this year.

Rather than take a vote on the request right away, Robbins instructed County Administrator Shannon Scott to put another contribution in the first draft of the county’s budget for consideration.