The mayors of Kentucky's two largest cities say the state needs to produce more engineers as part of a strategy to expand the region's manufacturing clout.
Louisville and Lexington are putting aside their long-running rivalry to promote the region's economy.
A new report says the area anchored by both cities has the potential for a significant boost in manufacturing jobs.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray says Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in the number of engineers it produces.
The mayors are urging Governor Steve Beshear to include money in his budget proposal to lawmakers next year that would expand engineering programs at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville.