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MCTC secures funding to build science building
Friday, July 18, 2008 9:20 PM EDT
According to MCTC President Dr. Ed Story, a new two-story science building will be constructed on the faculty parking lot "that is close to the library entrance on the back right of the building."
"We opened the bids yesterday (Thursday)." Story said. "Now, they have to go through central office for the final approval. Announcement of the winners will be issued via press release in a few days."
According to Jill Midkiff with the Finance Office in Frankfort, "We have an apparent low bidder but more investigation needs to be completed before the contract is awarded. We will review the bids and secure recommendation letters from the architect. Then we will make a final determination on who the winning bidder is."
The building will be approximately 20,000 square feet. According to Story, the building will house "all of the sciences" including biology and chemistry. The upper floors will consist of lab space for the various departments with the lower floor housing lecture and office space.
Story said that the entire faculty is excited about the addition.
"This is great because our current lab facilities are the original facilities built in 1968 during the original construction of the college." Story said. "This will allow us to update to more recent equipment for use by educators and students."
The building is being funded by legislative approved funding. According to Story, the funding was approved two years ago but "we are just now getting the funds for the project." Story indicated the cost of the structure from design to construction would be "just over $4 million."
State Rep. Mike Denham was "instrumental" in helping the college secure the funding," Story said. "We owe Mike a great deal of gratitude. Without his help, this funding may never have been possible."
According to Denham, this building will provide a "tremendous advantage" for the students of MCTC.
"This was a collective effort between people at the college and members of the legislature that will pay dividends for years to come for education in this community," Denham said. "The faculty and students of MCTC really helped in the process for securing the funding. I want to thank them for all their hard work."
Story anticipates the construction to be completed in "a little over a year" if groundbreaking starts on schedule and "the weather cooperates. A new parking lot has already been constructed and just needs to be paved but should be finished before the fall. We could possibly move into the new building by the start of the fall semester next year," he said.
Story was quick to point out that funding wasn't given to the college.
"This is something we worked and worked for," Story said. "We used all our resources to see that this idea came to fruition for the current and future staff and students."
Contact Todd Curtis at todd.curtis@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 272.
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