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COCC: Yes on Measure 9-73
Residents throughout Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) voting district will have the opportunity to vote on a bond measure this November that will not only help our students, but our local economy as well.
At a cost of less than $2 per month for the average district homeowner, this fall’s COCC bond provides more than $53 million in funding to construct new buildings, classrooms and instructional facilities.
Why? Sharp increases in student enrollment have created challenges for students turning to COCC for reasonably priced education and job retraining, but find themselves on long waiting lists for courses they need. Educational facilities, such as science labs built in the 1960’s, are old and outdated.
Local workers affected by a difficult economy have turned to COCC in droves this past year, choosing new career paths in nursing, health sciences, technology, and other relevant course studies. Unfortunately, classrooms are often too full to accommodate them. New facilities are needed to ensure that Central Oregon’s community college students are prepared to enter the workforce of today – and tomorrow.
Construction of the new projects, which include student outreach campuses in Madras and Prineville, a new Technology Center in Redmond, and new Health Careers and Science buildings in Bend, can begin soon after voter approval. Construction and development of the projects will create hundreds of new, local jobs.
The money earned and spent by workers and businesses circulates back into our local, Central Oregon economy. As noted on the campaign’s website, www.COCCYes.com, local business leaders, educators, and editors have endorsed this measure because they understand the importance of this capital bond to our students, to the health and well-being of our community, and to our local economy.
The State of Oregon has committed $11.47 million towards these projects if COCC provides matching funds, and this Bond Measure will do that. If passed, the $41.3 million dollar measure actually will bring nearly $53-Million dollar in construction projects into our local economy. It is a point not lost on Central Oregon's business leaders, workers, and students.
Campaign Chair Charley Miller (Miller Lumber Company) asked for, and received, endorsements from the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Redmond Chamber of Commerce, Redmond Executive Association, EDCO, Central Oregon Board of Realtors, Central Oregon Builders Association,as well as the Madras and Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. Miller trusts that when the community considers the positive impacts, voters will understand the benefits of this ballot measure.
The Associated Students of Central Oregon Community College (ASCOCC) is actively participating in this effort. Student leaders understand the need for new classroom space, and updated facilities. One in three Central Oregon high school students are turning to COCC for education and training for jobs relevant to the 21st Century, but thousands are on waiting lists for classes. Passage of Ballot Measure 9-73 will provide JOBS in capital construction NOW, and JOBS for students seeking careers in health care, technology and sciences, the careers of the 21st Century. A COCC:YES vote means JOBS FOR NOW, JOBS FOR THE FUTURE.
Jobs for Now - Jobs for the Future:
Technology Education Center on the Redmond COCC Campus:This facility would allow COCC to expand partnerships with local businesses and would house programs specifically aligned with area industry. COCC would work with economic development agencies and business to finalize specific programs for the facility. Programs in aviation, renewable energy, computer graphics and manufacturing are currently under consideration. The 2009 Legislature allocated $5.7 million toward this project; COCC receives these funds only if it matches the state contribution and money is this bond provides that match.
For Jefferson County – a college campus in Madras. Included in the bond is money for construction of a building on land donated to COCC by the Bean Foundation. The campus would be located across the street from the middle school. As it has done in Redmond, COCC would expand services in Madras to meet the increased educational and training needs. Jefferson County residents would be able to receive COCC services and complete basic classes close to home rather than commuting to Bend or Redmond.
For Crook County – a college campus in Prineville. Included in the bond is money for construction of a building in Prineville. As it has done in Redmond, COCC would expand services in Prineville to meet the increased educational and training needs. Crook County residents would be able to receive COCC services and complete basic classes close to home rather than commuting to Bend or Redmond.
