NEW BALTIMORE — Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plans for a network of centers along highways to promote New York products is now targeting the Capital Region, with plans for a facility along the state Thruway in Greene County.

The Thruway Authority is seeking bids next month for construction of a 10,000-square-foot "Capital Region welcome center" to be built inside the cloverleaf off the northbound exit leading to the existing New Baltimore travel plaza.

Located on the east side of the Thruway across from the travel plaza, the new center would have parking for 130 vehicles and two buses, as well as shops featuring Taste NY products, vending services, a play area and "applicable site amenities," according to online documents. The building would stand 43 feet tall.

The New Baltimore facility would be part of a planned network of 11 such centers across the state as part of the governor's campaign to promote state products and tourism along its major highways.

The Cuomo administration has clashed with federal highway officials over the commercial nature of initial Taste NY shops in highway rest areas, which then had to cease over-the-counter sales and use only vending machines.

Federal law bans most over-the-counter sales at rest areas opened after 1960 on interstate highways, although sales are allowed at facilities older than that. The law was meant to encourage travelers to leave highways and support local businesses.

The New Baltimore travel plaza opened in 1957, which predates federal law and would allow such over-the-counter sales to occur, according to a Thruway spokeswoman.

"This site is grandfathered in — the proposed welcome center is on the same premises as the service area. It will offer over-the-counter sales," she said.

In January, the Times Union reported that state officials reported that they were working with federal transportation officials on what can and cannot be sold at various welcome centers along state highways.

The state Department of Agriculture and Market's Taste NY program has promoted a variety of retail locations at spots such as Thruway service stops, airports, sports stadiums and even in San Juan, Puerto Rico, featuring Empire State food products and beverages.

A Taste NY shop was added last spring to a recently rebuilt Thruway travel plaza in Montgomery County near Fultonville.

Bids on the New Baltimore project are due April 4, according to online Thruway Authority documents. Bidders would have to put down a $1.5 million deposit.

Currently, the state also is building a $25 million welcome center along the Thruway in Grand Island, near Buffalo, that is expected to open this summer. This project is part of the governor's "Buffalo Billion" portfolio of redevelopment initiatives.

Another center is expected to open later this year near the Thousand Islands Bridge on Interstate 81 in Collins Landing, Jefferson County, a road that connects New York and Canada.