Opinion : A vote for the college bond is a vote for economic development - Upd. October 7, 2004

Background:

This election you'll be asked to decide whether to pass a bond for $18.5 million for the Columbia Gorge Community College. Of that amount, 22 percent would be used for the new nursing and health sciences building in The Dalles; 24 percent would be used for additional classrooms, labs and instructional support space; 23 percent would go to repair and renovate existing buildings and grounds and to remove three hazardous buildings; 31 percent would be used to purchase land and build a new college center in Hood River.

The campus buildings in The Dalles date back to the 1920s. Three of the buildings are not safe for students or staff to occupy and must be removed.

Many of the communities leaders have thrown there support behind this bond measure, including , who issued this statement:

In Support:

The State gave the college an initial $1.2M dollars to deliver programs and classes in Hood River based on 300 FTE (Full Time Equivalent). But, unfortunately, the college hasn't had the classroom space required to generate 300 FTE. The new temporary technology center only addresses 25% of the space required. Without more classroom space in Hood River, the college is likely to lose about 200 FTE worth of funding or approximately $800,000 for the 2005/2007 Budget.

One of the important factors in business relocation issues is the availability of a quality, trained workforce. Columbia Gorge Community College is the only local resource for job training, college transfer, adult basic education for Gorge residents.

The college has worked hard to build a strong K12 partnership in the gorge. High school students may earn college credit while still in high school. In many cases, the same instructor teaches the high school and the college classes. Most parents will save approximately $30,000 if their student takes the prerequisites at the community college before going on to a state university and starting as a junior.

Community support (of the bond) will likely be seen favorably by other entities considering investing in the college or the community. These funds will likely be leveraged into far more local investment than the bond amount.

The college is interested in seeking construction funds rather than funds to cover lease or rental space. This creates assets that can be leveraged by our children and grandchildren.

The college does not currently have the space it needs to fill demand for it's classes. Every student turned away means less income for the college. In a way, it becomes a downward spiral. With the forced demolition of three of the current buildings, this problem will only deepen.

Q and A from the college's website:

Q Can't the College get federal or state funds to fix the old buildings?

Actually, if the bond measure is approved, the college can qualify for some federal matching funds, and may be able to use state funds that the Legislature is considering for community college construction. But without a local match, there are no federal or state funds available.
There are no other ways the college can fund building projects except through a bond measure.

Q What will happen if the bond measure doesn't pass?

The college will have to turn students away if the measure does not pass.
The three hazardous buildings MUST be removed, and if the college does not have funds from the bond to make the campus safe, dollars intended for the classroom will have to be used for this purpose instead. And, every year the college delays building will only cost more in the future.

Share your thoughts:

Agree? Disagree? Care to discuss? Use the box above to vote (a very unscientific poll) and discuss the matter further in our online forum.

Visit the Columbia Gorge Community College website for more information (http://www.cgcc.cc.or.us/Misc/measure33-43links.cfm)

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