State Legislature approves $37.8M for new campus building

The Washington State Legislature approved $37.8 million for the construction of a new Science, Engineering, and Technology building.

Edmonds Community College is excited to announce the Washington State Legislature’s approval of $37.8 million for the construction of a new Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) building.

Funding for the proposed 70,000-square-foot building was approved Thursday night as part of the state’s $4.18 billion 2017-19 capital budget. Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign the budget.

“We are thrilled that the state’s capital budget passed last night and that our SET building is being funded,” said Kevin McKay, vice president of Finance and Operations.

“However, due to the one-year delay of the budget’s approval, we are anticipating an  approximate shortfall of $1.5 million in construction costs. Also, we anticipate that we will be fighting a crowded construction market, especially with the capital budget suddenly releasing new projects all across the state.”

The SET building was one of 25 projects included in the Washington State Board for Community and Technical College’s $338 million budget request.

“Despite delays, we are excited to begin this project, which has been 10 years in the making,” McKay said.

Edmonds CC plays a critical role in educating and training students for an increasing number of high-demand, high-wage Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM, jobs in Snohomish County.

The new state-of-the-art SET building will allow the college to continue offering students high-quality STEM programming that meets industry demands.

Leart more information about Edmonds CC STEM programs.