LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state senators are considering what to do with a century-old institution for the developmentally disabled.

Senators heard suggestions Thursday on the Beatrice State Developmental Center. Its population is dwindling, and it costs an average of $450,000 per resident annually for the remaining 116 residents.

The center has had serious problems over the past 10 years with abuse incidents, overtime, turnover and loss of federal funding.

Chairman of the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee Colby Coasch said it wasn’t his goal to find a way to shut down the center. He said residents’ quality of life is better with a smaller population.

Michael Chittenden, director of advocacy organization The Arc of Nebraska, said the institution’s closure is long overdue.