Lawmakers signed off on $820,000 for a new building at the Clarkesville campus of North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) this week. The money is part of the state’s new $40 billion spending plan for 2016.
The money will fund the planning and design phase for the school’s new Economic Development & Construction Technology Center. “We very much appreciate the efforts of our local legislative delegation who helped secure the funds, particularly Senator John Wilkinson,” said NGCT Public Relations and Information Director Sandra Maughon.
Wilkinson, who represents Habersham County in the Georgia Senate, says he pushed for the money because, “this will assist existing businesses and help us recruit new industry into Northeast Georgia.”
Maughon says the new facility, slated for completion in 2017, will house the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) & Machine Tool Technology and the Air Conditioning Technology programs. Currently both of those programs boast a 100% job placement rate for students. The new facility will mean NGTC can increase the number of graduates and expand their current programs.
Air Conditioning Technology students will have more access to technology as the school will offer instruction on wireless systems and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) communication technologies.
The new facility will allow those in the GNC & Machine Tool program to get training in fluid conveyance assemblies and the opportunity to earn Mastercam for Solidworks certifications.
The total price tag for the new 45,690 sq ft building is an estimated $11,833,000.
Having passed both chambers of the state legislature, the new budget awaits Governor Nathan Deal’s signature.
