When Mahan Drive was chosen, the COG -- Council of Governments -- backed off.

With Three Rivers' future home now unclear, the COG is expected to again discuss the issue when it meets Wednesday in Norwich, but to make no recommendation for at least for 30 to 60 days, according to COG Chairman Paul Eccard.

"Obviously, the college is a state resource and we should reaffirm its importance as a regional asset," said Eccard, Waterford first selectman. "But I think we also need to recognize its importance to Norwich."

Eccard said his suggestion would be to give Norwich a chance to resolve the siting with the governor's office and the Community-Technical College Board of Trustees.

However, he said, "I think it should be a defined period of time so it doesn't just drift on. And if there's no consensus after 30 or maybe 60 days, then I think there is a role the (COG) can play."

Preston First Selectman Robert Congdon, whose board of selectmen Thursday approved a letter to the governor asking him to reconsider Norwich Hospital, will raise the issue at the COG meeting, but said he will not seek an endorsement.

"If I had my druthers, what I'd like to see is the COG publicly support the consolidation and do what we can to build consensus so we don't lose the $75 million earmarked for the consolidation," Congdon said Monday.

Given the importance of the school to the region, he said it would make sense to use the COG's in-house planning staff to look at the options.

However, Norwich City Manager Richard Podurgiel said that's not necessary.

Podurgiel, who also intends to raise the issue himself at Wednesday's meeting with the COG executive board, said the city remains committed to consolidating the school within the confines of Norwich's borders.

The issue resurfaced following the Norwich City Council's vote last week opposing the consolidation at the school's Mohegan campus on Mahan Drive, for now the state's preferred site for the school.

Twice last year before Mahan Drive was chosen, the COG adopted a resolution supporting consolidation on the Norwich Hospital grounds on Route 12 just south of the city line.

Unlike last year, the issue this time is attracting even greater interest. Officials in East Lyme, Groton, Sprague and Plainfield have put forth suggestions of potential sites within their borders for the school, raising the potential of a bidding war among communities.

"I think there should be a complete review of all acceptable sites before the COG makes any recommendation," said East Lyme First Selectman Wayne Fraiser, promising his support for whatever site is ultimately chosen as the best.