Casper College contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy each year, according to Kevin Sadler, Casper Area Chamber of Commerce board president.

Which is one reason why, Sadler said, the chamber announced its support on Monday for the college's expansion project.

The proposal calls for several new facilities, including a renovated administration building and a new center for training and development.

The college will ask voters to approve a $35 million general obligation bond in the November election. Funds for the bond will come from property tax increases equaling $18 a year in taxes per $100,000 of assessed value.

Susan Anderson, hired by the college to work on financing the project, said support from the chamber is particularly important since the college hopes to provide more educational opportunities for current industries.

College Board President Bill Hambrick hopes the college can "respond to the various need in the work force and the needs in the economy" by continually introducing more programs that train workers for today's professions.

Most of the nurses trained at Casper College were immediately hired to work for the Wyoming Medical Center, Hambrick said, further supporting Casper's need.

Project plans also include a new University of Wyoming/Casper College center and student union.

Every semester is a nightmare trying to coordinate classes between the UW/CC extension building and the Casper College campus, said Brent Pickett, the associate dean and director of the UW/CC Center.

Even though he said he can't speak on behalf of the university, Pickett said the new center will allow students to spend more time with peers and faculty if they are all on one campus.

Anderson hopes the chamber will work with the college to generate support for the project as the November election approaches.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com