SOMERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Leaders in Fayette County have raised $1.125 million for the development of an educational outreach center in Somerville that will be operated by the University of Tennessee at Martin.

WMC-TV reports that Gov. Bill Haslam presented a $1.125 million check for the center on Tuesday after money was raised by Methodist Hospital, Somerville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the Fayette County Commission and the University of Tennessee Foundation.

The center is currently an empty building that was once the home of Methodist Hospital. The building was donated to Somerville last year to be renovated.

State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris says the Somerville Center will bring higher education opportunities to students in the area.