11/30/2006

DOVER, Del. (AP)- Officials at Delaware Technical and Community College are asking the state to approve a property tax to pay for new classrooms.

DelTech president Orlando George told state officials Wednesday that the school is at 96 percent capacity.

DelTech has more than 40,000 students, and that number is expected to rise almost 30 percent by 2020.

George says the school needs to construct new buildings and renovate existing ones to avoid having to start selective admissions.

More than $38 million worth of improvements already have been delayed because of limited money from the state.

Some lawmakers were not thrilled with the proposals. Senate Majority Leader Harris McDowell says he hopes there are ways besides a statewide property tax to help DelTech.