Stimulus cash arrives at TVCC
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Monday, July 27, 2009 4:33 PM PDT
ONTARIO — Whether either the state or federal stimulus packages will actually jump-start the economy remains an open question, but a cash package approved by Oregon lawmakers to community colleges for deferred maintenance is making an impact on the Treasure Valley Community College campus.
A construction crew recently started the last major paving project at the college. The project will encompass a large area around the athletic fields, from the tennis courts to the softball fields, and the maintenance facilities and other buildings facing Southwest 11th Avenue.
This weekend, the company must work around the Babe Ruth Baseball tournament, doing excavation and other jobs in those parking areas not involved.
“Anywhere there is gravel will be paved,” Randy Griffin, acting TVCC president said, Friday.
That has been the goal of college officials for the past few years, but funding has been an issue, and dollars have not stretched far enough until the stimulus package approved by the Oregon Legislature. Paving is already finished on a large section of parking area south of the gymnasium, and but it must still be restriped. Most of the existing parking lots have been seal-coated.
“It will really clean stuff up,” Griffin said. “The parking lots were the biggest chunk of the funds.” However, paving was not the only project to get funds. In all, 25 total projects will have been completed by this fall, by 13 different contractors. Those ventures included heating and cooling upgrades in six buildings, restroom upgrades and sidewalk repairs, plus upgrades in different locations to meet ADA requirements. There is some heating, cooling and restroom work still being done, Griffin said, but the parking lot project should pretty much wrap everything up.
TVCC’s part of the stimulus funding was about $1.4 million, Griffin said.
“It’s a decent project,” Kevin Johnson, grading foreman for IRVCO Asphalt and Gravel, said. “I’ve got six projects this summer. We’re one of the busy companies.”
While not part of the stimulus package, more work is being done on the ag center, situated on the corner of Southwest 18th Avenue and Fourth Street. The college is putting in a parking lot, and more improvements are planned.
Larry Meyer is a reporter for the Argus Observer. He can be contacted at LarryM@argusobserver.com
