Groundbreaking for the new Logan County Area Technology Center will begin July 19, if all goes as expected in a timeline presented to the board of education at its meeting Tuesday.
“If we get a budget that includes a minimum of 25 percent equalization (which both House/Senate budgets currently do), then we will plan to break ground this July,” says Dr. Kevin Hub, who will be the school system’s superintendent until June 30.
Keith Sharp of JKS Architecture made the presentation to the board, which subsequently approved a number of motions on the plans.
The new facility will replace the current Russellville ATC, which is located on the grounds of Russellville High School and has been in operation for 50 years. The planned LCATC will be on property the Logan system already owns in front of Logan County High School.
Plans are to advertise for construction bids on May 24 and to open them after they are received June 21. Construction would begin on July 19 this year and be completed on July 18 next year in time for occupancy during the 2017-18 school year.
The school system will advertise for bids on technology, furnishings and equipment this fall on Oct. 11 and begin installation of these items on May 1, 2017. That installation is all to be completed on the same day as construction ends, next July 18.
As is the case for just about anything that has to do with state funds, the entire plan is contingent on Kentucky government having a budget in place before this July 1. Gov. Matt Bevin has said he will not call the General Assembly back into session to pass a budget if the House and Senate don’t agree upon one by tomorrow, April 15.