Preston officials say the site, a former state mental hospital that has been shut down, is the region's best option.

Selectmen signed a letter to Governor John G. Rowland Thursday which read, "allow us the opportunity to prove to you that the Norwich State Hospital site provides the best solution for the college and the students.

The Norwich college currently is split into two campuses, at Mahan Drive and Norwich-New London Turnpike. Earlier this week, the Norwich City Council voted against consolidating the college at the Mahan site.

With the letter, Preston is taking action to ensure the benefits of the Norwich Hospital site are noticed in Hartford later this week.

The letter contends the town's zoning regulations allow for college development and says the site is centrally located with easy access from Interstate 395 and routes 2A and 12. The letter also touts the availability of all utilities, including steam generated by the regional waste-to-energy plant.

"We've supported the state hospital site all along. It's the best for the students, not the best for Norwich," Selectman Thomas Maurer said.

Congdon said he will send a copy of the letter to Three Rivers President Grace S. Jones. He said he could not speak for her, but knows her priority is to consolidate the campus.

"Any community that feels it has a viable location, that First Selectman or Mayor is doing their community a service," Congdon said.