Three Rivers plans to build Cape Girardeau County center

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The administration of Poplar Bluff-based Three Rivers Community College announced plans Friday afternoon to open an education center in Cape Girardeau County, with the goal of opening the facility in fall 2008.

In a news release, Three Rivers executive vice president Dr. Larry Kimbrow said the plans are in response to strong demand for a community college's services in Cape Girardeau County.

"The recent focus on the advantages that could be offered to Cape County by a community college has created the potential for Three Rivers to expand its education and career training programs," Kimbrow said. "The Three Rivers move to Cape County is an exciting prospect that should resolve the current debate. It will provide community college services at no cost to the Cape County taxpayer."

In addition to promising no tax increase to Cape Girardeau County taxpayers if the plans go through, Three Rivers says the new center won't increase students' tuition.

The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education would have to approve the plans before Three Rivers could establish its education center.

Check back for more details on this developing story.