LEBANON - Plans for the proposed medical college in Lebanon are moving forward, unaffected by changes in the national economy.

"I can report back to you that we are on track with all of our plans," said Dr. Larry Mullins, president and CEO of Samaritan Health Services. "We've been in conversation with the wholesale retailers, the developers, the university, and everyone remains committed to the development."

Last January, Mullins first announced Samaritan's partnership with Western University of Health Sciences, of Pomona, Calif., and the plans to build a medical campus on roughly 43 acres next to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.

On Tuesday, Mullins reaffirmed that economic conditions have not altered any of those plans.

"We're fortunate there are a number of community and regional bank players that haven't been as affected by these national trends," he said.

Plans call for construction to begin sometime next year at the campus site, across Highway 20 from Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Samaritan owns the site. The first class of students would be enrolled by the end of 2011.

Western University also reaffirmed its committment to the project.

On Tuesday, Jeff Keating, executive director of public affairs for Western University, said the school's plans will be heard by both its board of trustees and a crediting agency in mid-December.

"We're expecting to receive approval from both groups," he said.

Lebanon City Manager John Hitt said the city continues to uphold its end of the partnership. City officials are working on a draft economic agreement with the hospital, he said, to clarify financial arrangements regarding the campus property.

Those talks may continue for 60 days, he said.

In September, Lebanon created an urban renewal district to provide financing for roads and other infrastructure improvements at the site of the planned campus.

So far, the district has borrowed no money.

In October, the Lebanon Planning Commission approved designs for the campus. Those designs include a 61-foot clock tower, 1,533 parking spaces and a number of two-story classroom buildings with brick facades and pitched roofs.

Detailed drawings are avaialable on the

city's website, www.ci.lebanon.or.us.