LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Asa Hutchinson has donated $100,000 from the state’s discretionary funds to help restore Johnny Cash’s boyhood home in Dyess, Arkansas State University said Monday.

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Asa Hutchinson has donated $100,000 from the state’s discretionary funds to help restore Johnny Cash’s boyhood home in Dyess, Arkansas State University said Monday.

The money will be used for outbuildings, some of which will be moved to the site and some reconstructed using materials from original Dyess buildings. Also, a barn will be built for use as classroom, office, conference and special event space, the university said.

The governor made the announcement at a fundraiser at the Governor’s Mansion called "An Evening with Rosanne Cash," which featured songs and reminiscences by the country music legend’s daughter. The event raised a little more than $20,000 in private donations in addition to the governor’s contribution from state funds.

The restoration project is projected to cost about $500,000.

"As we promote Arkansas tourism, we recognize that a significant part of the future of tourism in this state is our heritage sites, including the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess," Hutchinson said in a statement. "The support of the Cash family and the connection to Rosanne Cash to this state is significant, and I am delighted that the state can continue to support Arkansas State University in preserving these heritage sites for the next generation."

The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home opened in August 2014, and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.