A local group is forging ahead with plans to start a community college in Erie County.  CLICK FOR VIDEO  The group, "Rethink Erie", got a boost last month, when the governor signed a law legalizing table games. Part of that revenue would be used for the college.

An application to establish the community college must be submitted to the state, and that application must be sponsored by a government entity.   Rethink Erie is comprised of government, business, and educational leaders, but it, as an organization, cannot sponsor the application.  It wants county council to sponsor it. And some council members have gone on record that no tax dollars should be used for the project.

Approximately $1.5 million annually is expected to come in from table game revenue.  Rethink Erie is trying to keep costs down to that level. Grandiose plans to build a brand new campus have been abandoned.  Right now, the plan calls for using existing space and equipment to operate the college.

Mary Bula, of Rethink Erie, says research identified 11 occupational classes that would be beneficial to Erie County. She says 7 of those could be taught at space at the Erie County Technical School.

Two reports are being drawn up at this time. One is a business plan that outlines the costs versus the revenue. The other is an economic impact analysis.  It will determine how much money would be returned to the local economy for each dollar spent on the college. It is hoped these two reports will convince county council to sponsor the application to the state.

Erie County has four years to submit the application. If it does not, the gaming money will be used for other projects in the area.