College gives insight on how recently approved bond money will be used
The Dalles Campus Map. Click on the image to enlarge it and read about improvements that will now happen since voters passed a $13 million bond on Nov. 5, 2024
From Columbia Gorge Community College:
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 20, 2024 — Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is proud to announce that Community College Service District voters have approved Ballot Measure 33-111, a $13 million, 13-year bond that will allow the college to make critical campus security, classroom, lab, and technology upgrades at its campuses in The Dalles and Hood River, all while maintaining the current local property tax rates.
“We are incredibly grateful to the voters in the CGCC service district for investing in workforce development and ensuring access to higher education for everyone in the Gorge,” said CGCC president Dr. Kenneth Lawson. “With this bond approved, we can move forward with our plans to enhance campus safety, make needed upgrades to our facilities, and continue to expand educational opportunities. These improvements will ensure that CGCC remains a vital resource for students, our economy, and our community.”
The new bond will take effect just as CGCC’s existing bond, passed by voters in 2004, expires. Additionally, passage of 33-111 also makes CGCC eligible for $5.5 million in state matching funds, amplifying local investment even further. “Voters recognized that this bond is a good investment: we get safer campuses, upgraded facilities, and the ability to support more programs while maintaining the existing tax rate,” added Dr. Lawson.
Next Steps: Planning Already Underway
With the bond measure approved by voters, CGCC is making plans to move forward with the projects approved in the college’s Facilities Master Plan. These investments provide needed safety, seismic, and technology infrastructure upgrades at The Dalles and Hood River campuses. With these facility improvements in the works, the college can now take the next steps in developing essential new programs designed to meet the needs of our evolving regional economy.
“We’ve already started,” said Dr. Jarett Gilbert, CGCC’s Vice President of Instructional Services. “We have two new programs under development — Agricultural Technology and Behavioral Health. Both programs are being developed in response to workforce shortages that have been consistently communicated by industry and economic development agencies across the Greater Columbia Gorge.
A Continuing Commitment to Inclusive Prosperity
As part of its mission, CGCC remains dedicated to fostering inclusive prosperity throughout the Columbia Gorge region. “This fall’s 18 percent enrollment growth as compared to fall of 2023, as well as impressive job placement figures for CGCC graduates, shows that CGCC’s programs are helping not just our students but employers across our entire region,” said Dr. Gilbert. “By modernizing our facilities and expanding workforce training programs, we’re helping drive economic growth and opportunity for everyone.”
About Columbia Gorge Community College
Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) serves students across the Columbia River Gorge region with campuses in The Dalles and Hood River. CGCC offers a wide range of transfer programs, workforce training opportunities, and community education courses designed to meet the needs of both traditional students and lifelong learners. The college is committed to providing equitable access to affordable education while promoting inclusive prosperity throughout the region.
For more information on CGCC, the bond measure, or upcoming campus improvements, please visit cgccbond.org or contact Tom Penberthy, Marketing & Communication Director, at 541-506-6101 or tpenberthy@cgcc.edu.
