Columbia College Puts “Measure E” Funds To Use

Sonora, CA — Officials at Columbia College are busy planning the first of several improvement projects made possible by the first phase of Measure “E” funds.

President Jim Riggs says the first projects will be to improve access and parking at the campus.

A contractor will soon be selected to build the planned emergency access road to the west of the campus. Part of that plan also includes a 70-space parking lot to be located near the soccer field.

In addition, some of the college´s existing roads will be reconfigured and ways to improve parking will be addressed.

The College Board is also in the process of finalizing the selection of the architects who will be designing the new science building and child development center.

Riggs says contracts for those projects are expected to be awarded at tomorrow night´s board meeting. Construction should begin right after the rainy season in the spring.

Future expansion projects slated for phases two and three will include land acquisition for education centers in Angels Camp and Oakdale.

Each phase of funding is expected to be between $90 million and $100 million.

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