Dick Anagnost, Chair of the Job Corps Center Task Force, said the proposal was the result of years of effort by many volunteers, elected officials and staff of the Workforce Opportunity Council.

"We developed what we feel is a very strong proposal," said Anagnost. "Our idea of creating the nation's first Homeland Security Job Training Academy will help address New Hampshire's growing employment opportunities in the areas of healthcare, high technology and homeland security."

The New Hampshire proposal included two sites for consideration by the Office of Job Corps. The primary site is a 20.2 acre parcel of land in Manchester. The second site would be in the state's North Country. Anagnost said an estimated 20 proposals would be competing with the New Hampshire submission.

Critical to the proposal was the $6 million of in-kind contributions from private companies and Manchester's offer of land. "Without a demonstration of community support, we would not have much of a chance to be considered," said Anagnost. "The overwhelming response of over $6 million will clearly show the federal reviewers that New Hampshire wants and supports a Job Corps Center."

There are currently 122 Job Corps Centers in operation, with Wyoming and New Hampshire the only two states without a Center.