Western Nebraska Community College is hoping the state's congressional delegation can gain federal money to start a planned Wind Energy Training Center in Sidney.

The WNCC Board Wednesday approved a resolution supporting the establishment of the facility, a resolution that has also been approved by local city councils and county commissioners. WNCC President Dr. Eileen Ely is hoping the resolutions, and even letters of support from industry, will help the state's congressional delegation gain stimulus money to get the project moving.

Ely says the college has been working on the training center for over a year and a half, and have modeled the curriculum after a successful program at Iowa Lakes Community College. Ely says people in the wind industry say they are anxious for skilled workers, and want a fast-paced program where students can get a skilled certificate that could roll into a degree program.

Dr. Ely says thirty to forty students have contacted the college about their interest in such a program.