North Central Michigan College in Petoskey just received $5.2 million from the state this week to help build a new health and sciences building. The money came from a bill that Governor Rick Snyder signed to help fund local college projects.
"Our students deserved a better facility than we were able to provide for them," NCMC President Dr. Cameron Brunet-Koch explained.
That is why everyone at North Central Michigan College is excited about the new health and sciences building going up on campus in Petoskey. The new $10.5 million building will be done by the fall and the state is covering $5.2 million of the cost.
"Oh its huge, its an outstanding boost, we work on a pretty tight budget as far as the overall funding equation for the facilities this is just a tremendous boost for the overall project," NCMC Foundation Executive Director Sean Pollion said.
The portion of the project that is being covered by the state will open up millions of dollars that would have been used on the project. The college can now use the money to improve different areas around campus. President Brunet-Cook says Governor Snyder is sending a strong statement by signing this bill.
"The governor by signing the bill, he recognizes the need of higher education and helping Michigan turn around its economy," Dr. Brunet-Cook said.
North Central Michigan College plans to use this new building as an economy builder. They have plans to expand their allied health programs and create a workforce development initiative in the new center. North Central Michigan College wasn't the only school to benefit from this bill. The legislation totaled $300 million and it is being distributed throughout the state for 18 different projects.
