Sinclair President Steven Johnson said the project keeps to the school’s campaign promise to use the new funds to “improve” and “expand” its health care programs.
“Health care is one of the most important aspects of this community, and brings with it good-paying jobs for those who graduate (from Sinclair) with certificates and associate degrees,” Johnson said.
The college announced its plan earlier this year to use levy funds to build a new health center, which would house its 41 health science programs and be equipped with the “latest” simulation labs and clinics. To do that, the school will remodel Building 14 and add nearly 60,000 square feet where a parking lot currently exists between 4th and 5th streets.
To pay for the project, the school will use $16 million from the new levy, $8 million from the state, $6.5 million from reserve funds and $1 million from private contributions.
“Health care will require greater investment in cross-training across disciplines and greater focuses on simulation and home care. This facility and strategy will allow Sinclair to meet those needs with talented personnel in greater numbers at a more advanced rate of progress,” Johnson said.
“I’m grateful the Board is moving to continue to invest in this project and to allow us to deliver on our promise to the community to invest in the health care jobs of tomorrow.”
The community college hopes to have the facility open by fall 2017.
“This project will allow Sinclair to meet the emerging needs in health care and position our graduates well in vitally needed fields,” said Rob Connelly, chair of the Sinclair Board of Trustees, in a statement. “I appreciate the careful and deliberate approach the administration has taken on this project.”
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