VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Forest Service plans to spend $1.2 million fixing up the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Budget problems have long plagued the southwest Washington monument, prompting the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to permanently close the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center two years ago. The upgrades won’t reopen that facility.

Among the jobs planned are a $400,000 amphitheater at the Johnston Ridge observatory, improved signs and information kiosks and new exhibits.