Gov. Linda Lingle announced yesterday the release of $6,837,000 for the design and construction of temporary facilities for nursing programs at University of Hawai'i's Leeward Community College, Hawai'i Community College, Maui Community College and Kaua'i Community College.

"The demand for registered nurses in Hawai'i is expected to increase significantly over the next 15 years," Lingle said in a released statement.

The project will provide temporary facilities with classrooms, nursing labs, observation rooms and faculty offices to handle the increases in enrollment that are anticipated as nursing programs at community colleges continue to expand.