| “One
of the goals of Anoka-Ramsey Community
College (ARCC) is to provide a thriving
learning-teaching environment on the Cambridge
Campus,” says ARCC President Patrick
Johns. “This capital project addresses
the instructional priorities of the campus.
As our curriculum changes to prepare students
for a competitive marketplace, the infrastructure
also needs to change.”
The capital project will strengthen students’
capacity to obtain a quality education.
The current 23-year-old, temporary buildings
pose health and safety concerns, and the
deferred maintenance projects will cost
more than the value of the buildings.
The proposed permanent space includes
new computer labs, new nursing and general
classrooms, science labs, and an improved
technology infrastructure.
“We greatly appreciate the effort
that key legislators in our service area
have put into this project,” says
Johns. “Their efforts show that
they are truly committed to the community
and to higher education.”
MOVING FORWARD
The work at the Legislature is not complete
yet. The Senate and the House have each
passed a version of a bonding bill. However
there are discrepancies between the two
bills and a conference committee will
work out the differences before the bill
can move forward. The bill will take the
following steps before it’s signed.
- The bill is in conference committee
so compromises and agreement on one
bill can be reached. This committee
began meeting on March 1.
- The final bonding bill will go back
to the floors of the House and Senate
for a yes/no vote.
- If it passes, the bill will go to
the Governor for signing or line item
vetoes.
- If vetoed, the legislature may override
the veto.
If the bonding bill is approved and includes
the ARCC project, the college is ready
to begin construction in August 2005.
The project is scheduled for completion
and occupancy in April 2007.
THE BONDING BILL
The ARCC Cambridge Campus project is just
one of many projects that are part of
the statewide bonding bill. This bill
includes dozens of capital construction
projects around the state including several
for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
(MnSCU) as well as the well-known Northstar
commuter rail line.
ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses
in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been
a leading provider of higher education
and training in East Central Minnesota
since 1978 and the north suburban area
of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually,
the college serves more than 9,000 learners
of all ages as they pursue associate degrees
that transfer as the first two years of
a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs
that lead immediately to rewarding careers.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College is a member
of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
System.
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