COEUR d'ALENE - Students will soon immerse themselves in research beyond the usual reading, writing and arithmetic - heading more in the direction of robotic farming, alternate energy and mining technology.

These are just some science-oriented topics that will be covered at a new learning center to be constructed in Rathdrum, thanks to Kootenai County approval on Wednesday night.

After a three-hour hearing, the county commissioners voted 2-0 to grant a conditional use permit for the 20,000-square-foot Science, Technology and Research Center, which will be built off of Willadsen Road.

The project has been pursued for years by Rathdrum residents Paul and Lorna Finman, who proposed the project through their recently renamed nonprofit, Discovery Technology.

"I think this will be a great facility for our area," said Commissioner Todd Tondee, just before the vote in the county Administration Building. "It would bring interest from kids. You never know what will happen from those sparks."

Commissioner Jai Nelson agreed that the applicants proved the facility appropriate for the rural zoned area, and felt it would raise the academic level in the community.

"I do believe it is in the public interest," Nelson said.

Commissioner Dan Green, whose son works for the Finmans, recused himself from the hearing.

Construction of the facility, which will be located on the corner of 285 acres, will begin immediately and should be completed by September 2012, said Taryn Hecker, Discovery Technology spokeswoman.

"Everyone who has worked on this has been very passionate. We're excited," Hecker said after the vote. "It was great to see how many people in the community support the vision the Finmans have. We don't have anything like it in this area."

The center, which Hecker emphasized is not a day-long school, will be one-third hands-on exhibits, and two-thirds laboratories for agricultural technology, mining technology and robotics. There will also be outdoor research covering subjects like alternative energy.

The center will collaborate with local schools to provide more learning opportunities, said Dennis Kimberling, educational services director for Discovery Technology.

"It will be open and free of charge to kids on field trips," Kimberling said.

Spokespersons have said that only 30 students are expected to use the facility at a time, with only two to five employees working at the center.

Many local teachers and property owners testified in favor of the project, predicting it would be a quieter neighbor than a large subdivision, and would result in a better trained workforce in the county.

"While schools are struggling to provide those opportunities, the STAR Center would provide them to all schools," said Salvatore Lorenzen, technology and pre-engineering teacher at Post Falls High School. "It's an opportunity for youth, and it's an opportunity for research."

State Rep. Bob Nonini said he has observed a need for such an academic boost during his seven years serving on the state Education Committee.

"We've been inundated with statistics about Idaho students not being prepared when they go to college, especially in math," Nonini said. "We need to do a better job preparing out students before they go to college. We can do it through the science center."

The few opposed to the project worried it was out of place for the rural area, and could open up the applicants to develop the area more.

"I think the school is a great thing, but it should be built someplace else," said Glen Sylte, who owns land directly beside the center property.

Tondee assured that neighbors' concerns were not being ignored.

The commissioners attached several conditions to the permit, including: the Finmans make road access improvements; the center only use water from a private well, and not from a local creek; and any major changes to the project scope go back before the county for approval.

Steve Syrcle with Tri-State Engineers said only about 67 acres of the property will be used for the building and 45-stall parking lot.

He added that the building will be self-sustaining, though the city of Rathdrum will require it to add on to city sewer and water if the property is annexed into the city.

Hecker said that Discovery Technology, which sponsors robotics teams and pairs students with mentor scientists, has already benefited about 3,000 students.

"That's a number we expect to continue to grow," she said.