The board overseeing the Montana university system has voted against a proposed community college in the Bitterroot Valley.

The Board of Regents agreed unanimously Thursday that the Montana Legislature should reject the idea.

The regents note Montana has 15 two-year colleges. The proposed community college in the Bitterroot Valley would be 50 miles from the University of Montana in Missoula.

The board says proponents have not shown need for the school.

Supporters still have the option of taking their plan to the Legislature.

Regents say legislators should establish a panel to investigate ways of developing for the Bitterroot Valley a two-year education model supported by current Montana University System programs.