PITTSBURGH — The Diocese of Pittsburgh this morning announced an action toward moving North Catholic High School from its Pittsburgh neighborhood to Cranberry Township.

The diocese said it acquired the option to buy 71 acres on the northern side of Route 228 across from St. Kilian Elementary School, and it hopes to buy the land by the end of the year.

In a news release, the diocese said it wants the land to build a new Catholic high school. North Catholic now is in Troy Hill.

The diocese plans to investigate the property before making a final decision. Pending that investigation, the diocese might buy it by the end of the year.

But the diocese needs money.

"A project of this magnitude requires a substantial commitment of capital in the form of cash and pledges as well as external borrowing. While the hope is to commence construction as soon as possible, no work can begin until the capital campaign generates sufficient funds," according to the diocese's statement.

The diocese estimated the school would cost about $25 million to $30 million. Half of that would be raised by the diocese and half would be borrowed.

The diocese said in the past that it wanted to open the school in 2011.