South Jersey groups need the money to pay rent.

Local arts groups say they can't afford to use the Washington Township Center for the Performing Arts because new rental rates are too expensive.

Officials with the theater say that the facility is so big and expensive to run, they can't afford to operate it at prices community groups deem affordable.

One possible solution: Give South Jersey arts groups money taken from them by the state. Then they might be able to afford the higher rent.

The center indeed is a big, modern facility. It seats 2, 500 and includes an expandable stage, a top-flight lighting and sound system, upholstered seating and superior acoustics. National acts play the venue.

But all of this comes at a price. And this year rental rates and fees for nonprofit groups have skyrocketed. They are charged $2,800 a day in rent, no matter how much of the theater they use. There are ticket and facility fees. A number of local groups say they would be interested in using the facility, as they have done in the past, but just can't afford it.

Here's an idea: Ask the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for some money.

More than $2.1 million of South Jersey's money has been given to North Jersey groups and statewide organizations over the past four years. And even though there are promises that funding policies will be changed in the future, South Jersey residents still are owed that $2.1 million.

The performing arts center seems to do a good job of bringing in national acts to entertain South Jersey residents. But it also should be a place where local performing arts groups put on their shows, too.

Right now, that's not happening. The center has bills to pay. The local groups have limited budgets.

The state should make good on the money owed South Jersey residents. Give some of it to these groups. Then they can afford to rent the performing arts center - no doubt a great place to see a play or performance.