Fayetteville, NC – Fayetteville Technical Community College will receive $34 million for three major capital projects in the state budget signed Thursday afternoon by Gov. Roy Cooper.
“Our College and our community owe a great debt of gratitude to our legislative delegation for their tireless efforts to enhance Cumberland County’s assets to serve our people,” said FTCC President Dr. Larry Keen. “In my experience, I believe this is the best budget that Cumberland County has ever received. It is a true testament to the wisdom, courage and tenacity demonstrated by our legislative leaders to effectively represent us and our needs.”
Keen praised the members of Cumberland County’s legislative delegation.
“Thank you to Representative Billy Richardson, the current leader of the delegation, and to Representatives John Szoka, Marvin Lucas and Diane Wheatley and to Senators Kirk deViere and Ben Clark,” Keen said. “Their collaboration, leadership, courage and devotion represented all of us very well.”
Specific FTCC projects funded by the state budget include:
- $20 million over two years for the FTCC-Cumberland County Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center whose first phase is now under construction on Tom Starling Road. The first phase of the center, already funded, includes a 24,000-square-foot building with classrooms; apparatus bays; simulation labs and offices; a technical rescue complex with a 4-story training tower; and a 3-story “burn building” where live burning exercises can be conducted. Later phases of the project will include more specialized hands-on training areas for simulated fire and rescue situations involving homes, commercial structures, trenches, aircraft and wildlands. FTCC also plans a Swift Water Rescue Training facility at this site.
- $10 million for construction of a regional truck driving training center.
- $4 million for renovation and conversion of an existing College facility into a nursing school.
The budget will also fund pay raises of 5 percent over two years and bonuses for most FTCC faculty and staff, as well as other needed investments.
Keen said the budget funding will have a positive impact on the citizens and the economy of Cumberland County and the state for years to come. “The General Assembly did important work this session for our county and our state,” Keen said. “We look forward to the continuation of this kind of strong leadership and collaboration.”
Fayetteville Technical Community College, established in 1961, is the third largest of 58 community colleges in North Carolina. FTCC offers affordable and flexible education for students at all stages of life. Learn more at www.faytechcc.edu.
