Governor Ivey Announces $2.5 Million Grant for Alabama Aviation College Expansion
OZARK – Governor Kay Ivey announced that Enterprise State Community College will receive $2.5 million dollars to expand the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark. The funds are part of the Alabama Capital Improvement Trust Fund which awards funds for projects that promote economic development and industrial recruitment in the state.
The Alabama Aviation College offers training and coursework in one of Alabama’s fastest growing career fields – aviation. Specifically, students are offered programs in aircraft maintenance and avionics technology. The grant funds announced today will be used to renovate campus infrastructure to expand the College’s Advanced Composite Training Program and prepare the campus for future program expansions.
“I am proud to award this $2.5 million grant to the Alabama Aviation College and provide funding for lab space for the new Advanced Composite Materials program,” Governor Ivey said. “While this grant is for the aviation program, the infrastructure updates it provides will also help to ensure the Ozark campus of Enterprise State Community College is ready to meet all the workforce needs of local business and industry.”
Enterprise State President Matt Rodgers said the improvements are a clear sign of monumental efforts the college is making to ensure its students are prepared for a multi-faceted aviation industry. The Alabama Aviation College has experienced consistent growth over the last several years, including increasing enrollment by nearly 100 students this semester.
“We appreciate Governor Ivey supporting our efforts to provide a first-class educational setting for the students in our service area. These improvements will allow us to enhance existing programs and work closely with local and state industry leaders to meet the demands of our ever-changing workforce,” Rogers said. “This is only the beginning. Great days are ahead for the college and the communities we serve.”
By making much needed renovations and repairs to existing buildings, the campus will be a resource for not only the students who attend classes, but the greater Ozark community as well.
Governor Ivey and President Rogers were joined at the press conference by several state and local officials including State Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), Ozark Mayor Bob Bunting, and Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker.
“I’m proud that Governor Ivey recognizes the great work being done across Alabama’s community colleges to train our state’s workforce for high-demand, high-wage jobs,” Chancellor Baker said. “The improvements at the Ozark campus will have an immediate positive impact on the students we serve and will also take large strides towards ensuring the campus is meeting the needs of business and industry in the Ozark community.”
The first phase of the renovation project is slated to begin this summer and all work is expected to be completed in 2019.