One week after Erie County Council failed to override Erie County Executive Brenton Davis' veto, Gannon University is officially moving forward with Project NePTWNE in the Blasco Library.

University leaders and Davis met today, to provide an update on the project.

Last October, Erie County Council approved a 25-year lease agreement, which allows Gannon to develop a 3,000 square-foot water research and education center inside of the Blasco Library.

The facility will be used to study Lake Erie's water quality.

"This is an incredible community asset," said Gannon University President Walter Iwanenko. "Gannon being a part of making sure this asset is available to our community for generations to come is very special and it's part of our vision. It's part of our mission."

For months, the $24 million initiative has sparked controversy between council members and Davis, and led to public protests.

Erie County Council voted to rescind the deal, which was then vetoed by Davis.

Last week, in a 4-3 vote, Erie County Council failed to override Davis' veto, falling short of the five required votes.

"We need to focus on the positives," said Davis. "This is something that I can't be anymore clear about. I've said always since the day we signed that contract, this was always moving forward. It's a travesty that the taxpayers and our community had to endure political grandstanding from folks that had no ability to change this outcome."

Gannon University is planning to host public meeting on the project in June and July, and will begin construction in the fall.

"I appreciate the concerns," said Dr. Sarah Ewing, Provost and Vice President for Student Experience. "We look forward to ensuring anyone who wants to participate in the process, who wants to provide input on design and really make it a space that's going to meet the needs of our community and accomplish the goals of the project."

The research center is expected to open next spring.