CANTON -- St. Lawrence County legislators want SUNY Canton and Clarkson University to host The New York State Homeland Security Education program.

Legislators passed a resolution Monday urging state representatives to choose the colleges for a portion of the $15 million for planning and developing education program proposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

In January the governor proposed establishing a College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cyber-security with the SUNY system, the resolution says.

Legislators say SUNY Canton already has degree programs in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Clarkson already employs cyber-security experts.

“A joint educational program between the colleges would bring collaboration between public and private entities to enhance an existing partnership between SUNY Colleges and Clarkson University.”

Legislators point out that SUNY Canton is located 17 miles from an international border and with 60 miles of Fort Drum.

“The recent addition of U.S. Border Patrol Agents to the region creates an environment where training costs could be mitigated by existing federal employees in a live setting," the resolution said.

The resolution will be forwarded to Gov. Cuomo, Senator Patty Ritchie, Senator Joe Griffo, Senator Elizabeth O'C Little, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, and Assemblyman Marc Butler.