By Ryan Lewis
Correspondent
KIMBALL, Tenn. -- Marion County's plans to build a new technical center in Kimball first must receive approval in Nashville.
On Thursday, the Tennessee Board of Regents weighs in on that project and several others across the state, deciding which schools get what share of an estimated $85 million in stimulus money that has become available for community colleges and technical centers in Tennessee.
Gene Hargis, acting Marion County mayor, said county leaders and residents need to rally around the project.
"We'd like to encourage anybody that may know somebody [on the Board of Regents] to please try and get in touch with them," he said. "We're going to need all the help we can get to secure this money."
The Kimball project involves collaboration with Chattanooga State Community College to build a 140-acre regional training center on a former horse farm between Kimball and Jasper along U.S. Highway 41. The cost of the initial phase of the project is estimated at $3.1 million.
The new complex eventually would replace the county's 17-year-old training facility in Kimball and help Chattanooga State accommodate the growing demand for technical and vocational training in the Sequatchie Valley, officials said.
Commissioner Les Price said that, even though there is about $85 million available, the Board of Regents has received applications for roughly $194 million.
"That gives you an idea about how competitive it really is," he said.
With a 15 percent community match totaling about $1.5 million, officials said, Chattanooga State is eligible to apply for $10 million to complete the project.
The Board of Regents will decide who gets the money and how much applicants will receive, officials said.
Some Marion County commissioners have been campaigning for the project funding to any board members who will listen.
"I have talked to several of [the board's] members, and they are aware that we are here," Commissioner Jane Dawkins said.
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.