Associated Press - October 31, 2009 7:44 PM ET

PARMA, Idaho (AP) - Parma Mayor Margaret Watson says supporters of the Parma Research and Extension Center in southwest Idaho have until Nov. 15. to raise $250,000 to keep the center open through June 30.

That's two more weeks to raise the money than University of Idaho officials had originally given local and agricultural leaders.

The school on Friday, in a statement to the Idaho Statesman, says it is beginning the administrative process of preparing to close extension centers, including those in Parma, Tetonia and Sandpoint.

State agencies, universities and colleges have been told to hold back spending by 4 percent to help offset a $151 million shortfall in state revenue as Idaho suffers more fallout from the economic recession and high unemployment.

Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com

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