The Centre Region Council of Governments Finance Committee yesterday approved a proposal that would help bring the Pittsburgh Symphony to the Centre Region.

According to Bob Potter, president of the Nittany Valley Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony is currently looking at the region as a candidate for its summer home.

"I think that if we can get the symphony to play here it would greatly enhance the cultural environment of the county," Potter said. "The University and President Jordan have been very receptive to the idea, but I think it is very important that we also get the support from the COG."

The Finance Committee allocated $4,000 to a study being conducted by the Pittsburgh Symphony's Steering Committee. The study will determine the feasibility of an endowment to support the symphony if it were to reside in the region during the summer.

Many sites in the county are being considered for a facility to house the symphony, Potter said. However, at this point there are no leading candidates.

"The facility would hold an audience of between 5,000 and 7,000 people and would probably cost in the area of $15 million to construct. It could also be used for opera and dance productions," Potter said.

Jim Steff, Finance Committee member and executive director of the council, said COG sent a letter to the Pittsburgh Symphony in 1989, inviting it to consider the region as its summer home.

Steff was unable to project when a final decision on the project would be made.