CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ & WV MetroNews) -- The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is seeking federal economic stimulus funds to move forward with the new Education, Research and Technology Park in South Charleston.

The commission voted Monday to submit an application for more than $12M that will help with the transition. The application will be submitted in the next week.

HEPC Vice Chancellor for Science and Research Dr. Paul Hill told commission members the governor's office invited the policy commission to seek the funds. The money is controlled by the governor's office.

The $12.25 million would provide support in "transitioning the park as well as rehabilitation of some of the buildings," Hill said.

Hill says the application process is not extensive.

The HEPC approved participation in the application program on a unanimous vote.

The board that oversees the state's community and technology colleges voted to approve on Friday the design of a new Advanced Technology Center that will be constructed at the park.

Dr. Hill says HEPC's consultant on the research park, Battelle Memorial Institute, has hosted several meetings during the past week with constituents who are providing input on the master plan for the park.