NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - State and local leaders gathered at Stephen F. Austin State University Thursday to launch the East Texas Water Institute, a new program aimed at addressing a shortage of skilled workers and lack of research in the water sector.

The institute is a partnership between SFA, Angelina College and the Temple Foundation."The institute will amplify the ability of the University, the college, and the foundation to serve East Texas communities by expanding knowledge, leveraging resources, and responding to critical workforce needs," Michael Simon, the president of Angelina College said.

Addressing rural workforce gapsThe institute is intended to expand education around water infrastructure in East Texas and to help keep the region's water resources local."We want to make sure it's really applicable to our problems we have here locally," Simon said.