This is a press release courtesy of Lane Community College

The Lane Community College Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to place an $83 million bond measure on the Nov. 4 ballot to fund facilities renovations, upgrades and remodels for workforce training and education.

The 15-year bond would continue the investment of approximately 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value that property owners are paying on the current bond, which retires in 2009.

"Lane's mission is to help people achieve their dreams," said board chair Pat Riggs-Henson. "As a responsible steward of the public's resources, we need to update our classrooms and infrastructure."

"This would make a huge difference for Lane," said President Mary Spilde. "Over the past few years we've focused our scarce resources on instruction and services. This is an exciting opportunity to reinvest in and renew Lane Community College."

Many buildings on main campus are more than 40 years old and need new heating and cooling systems, plumbing, roofing, and other upgrades. Classrooms and labs need renovations to increase access and allow multiple uses, alleviate crowding during peak demand times, and provide appropriate instructional technology and equipment.

The board approved 16 projects that vary in scope and approximates costs. They include:

• Utility infrastructure and facility upgrades including heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, security, and renewable energy systems, $18 million;
  
• Career and technical education center for high school and college students, and studio space for art students, building 10, $3 million;
  
• State-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for students in health career training programs, building 4, $1.5 million;
• Downtown center demonstrating energy efficient design and housing the energy management and renewable energy degree programs, plus educational resources for the business community, easy access for students using the bus, and a variety of career training, developmental education, and noncredit and credit courses; $9 million plus state matching capital construction funds;
  
• State-of-the-art general use classrooms and classroom and laboratory space for multimedia and graphic design programs, Forum building, $5 million;
  
• Learning commons student-friendly center including library, tutoring, and information technology services, Center building second and third floors, $3 million;
• * Classrooms and labs plus enhanced instructional and operational technology systems, and Foundation offices, Business building, $2 million;
• * Permanent location for specialized support services workers, and safer housing for art kilns, when aviation mechanics classes relocate to Lane's facility at the Eugene airport, $1 million;
• * Student dining and gathering space, a more efficient food delivery court, and an expanded culinary arts student-run restaurant, Center building first floor, $3.8 million;
• * Enhanced classrooms, a testing room, and student club space, Center basement, $500,000;
• * Updated fitness training center and wellness labs for the instruction and application of preventative health care, plus a flexible use studio for dance and other activities, PE building, $5 million;
• * Recycling center, and storage for auto and diesel instructional equipment, between buildings 9 and 10, $2 million;
• * Large, flexible-design general use classrooms, building 18, $1.5 million;
• * Florence center science lab and exterior renovation, $1 million;
• * New seating and an elevator, performance hall, $750,000;
• * Equipment and furnishings including computers, classroom technology, and professional equipment for career training programs, $6.5 million.

Costs will be adjusted as planning continues. Remaining funds will cover indirect costs such as underwriting, design and architectural planning.

Lane's mission is to provide affordable, quality, lifelong education. About 36,000 students enroll each year for career and technical training, college transfer, workforce training, skill upgrading, business training, basic education, or lifelong learning. The college district serves Lane County and parts of Benton, Linn and Douglas Counties.

More information is posted online at lanecc.edu/bond.