NORWICH, CT (Norwich Bulletin, 2/1/17) – The State Bond Commission on Wednesday passed almost $1 million in funding for Three Rivers Community College to make improvements to its campus in Norwich.

The commission approved $920,169 that will finance construction alterations to the college’s tutoring center and the design of student center and library renovations. The money is part of $5.9 million the school is seeking for the work.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this appropriation from the Bond Commission to enhance the educational services we provide to our students,” Three Rivers President Mary Ellen Jukoski said.

Phase one of the work consists of demolition and new construction of partitions, ceilings, interior finishes and fireproofing to the second floor framing between the tutoring center and library.

The second phase involves design of the student center and library renovations, which will reconfigure approximately 24,700 square feet of space.

The college’s request was broken down to $499,816 for construction, a $307,853 architect and engineer’s fee, $50,000 in contingency, $42,500 for a construction administrator and $20,000 for relocation costs. The work on phase one should be complete by the fall semester, Dean of Information Technology Stephen Goetchius said.

Students using the existing tutoring center Wednesday were happy about the news that the project would advance.

“I’m excited about it,” educational assistant Kathryn Warrender of Norwich said. “It can be tight quarters around here, especially mid-day. It gets pretty cramped.”

State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, applauded the allocation.

“Three Rivers is a critical educational resource in our region and this funding will allow our community college to provide students with additional services to ensure they are successful in obtaining a degree or professional certificate,” Osten said.

State Rep. Emmett D. Riley, D-Norwich, said he was pleased the commission and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy prioritized the request.

“The diversity and dedication offered in this community college to ensure students achieve their academic goals is laudable,” Riley said in a statement. “This funding is certainly going to improve the great work they are already doing.”

Formed in 1992 as the result of a mandate enacted by the Connecticut General Assembly which merged community and technical colleges in five geographic areas around Connecticut, Three Rivers has more than 5,000 enrolled students each semester and 2,500 continuing education students.

By Ryan Blessing

The original Norwich Bulletin article can be found here: Three Rivers receives $920,169 in state funds for renovations

 

Additional coverage on this funding can be read in:

The Day: Three Rivers receives money to expand student services, upgrade library

Norwich Patch: Funding Approved for Three Rivers Community College, Norwich Hospital Project