Tim Vandenack, Truth Staff
tvandenack@etruth.com
ELKHART -- A new Ivy Tech Community College campus here -- and the beefed-up job retraining offerings to come along with it -- is one step closer.
The Indiana State Budget Committee on Friday approved the appropriation of $14 million in state money to help build the facility, according to Jeff Terp, vice president for external affairs for the statewide Ivy Tech system. That's the final legislative hurdle in securing funding for such projects and now, Ivy Tech officials will move forward in the search for a contractor to handle the project.
"We're excited because it means we can go forward now," said Terp.
Why the project is significant
The new facility, long sought by local leaders, will augment Ivy Tech's offerings here and Friday's action is particularly noteworthy in the context of the looming layoffs of about 1,400 Monaco Coach Corp. workers across Elkhart County. Though the new complex won't be built by the time those workers hit the streets in September, it eventually will offer increased job-retraining options, among other things, to broaden work possibilities for those in the manufacturing sector.
"It just really couldn't come at a better time," said state Sen. Marv Riegsecker, R-Goshen, who's pushed hard for the project.
At 70,000 square feet, it will also be big enough to accommodate the 71 percent student body growth anticipated locally over the next 10 years.
Other details
* The precise construction timeline remains unclear, but should clear up when a contractor is picked to handle the project, perhaps in early September. The three finalists to handle the project are to be named next week.
* The new facility, replacing the cramped Ivy Tech Community College campus at Elkhart Industrial Park in eastern Elkhart, would be built on 70 acres just east of the city on an undeveloped plot near the intersection of C.R. 17 and U.S. 20.
* The total estimated price tag is $20 million to $22 million, which would cover the cost of building and equipping the new structure and creating a scholarship endowment.
* In addition to the $14 million from the state, Elkhart County leaders have committed to raising at least $6.8 million for the project, some from the private sector, some from local government.
* Along with enhanced job-retraining facilities, the new building will house a full range of educational offerings leading to two-year degrees in various fields.