Kay Ivey announces $2.5 million grant for Alabama Aviation College expansion

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Kay Ivey2
[Photo Credit: Office of Gov. Kay Ivey]

Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced Enterprise State Community College will be receiving a $2.5 million grant to expand the Alabama Aviation College.

The funds come from the Alabama Capital Improvement Trust Fund, which grants funds to projects and programs that bolster economic development and industrial recruitment within the state.

“I am proud to award this $2.5 million grant to the Alabama Aviation College and provide funding for lab space for the new Advanced Composite Materials program,” said Ivey. “While this grant is for the aviation program, the infrastructure updates it provides will also help to ensure the Ozark campus of Enterprise State Community College is ready to meet all the workforce needs of local business and industry.”

Alabama Aviation College
Alabama Aviation College

The Alabama Aviation College provides coursework and training in aircraft maintenance and avionics technology. The grant funds announced on Friday will be used to renovate the campus, expand on of the college’s training programs and will prepare the campus for future expansions.

Matt Rodgers, Enterprise State President, said these developments are evidence of the enormous efforts the college is making to guarantee that its students are prepared for the ever-changing aviation industry.

“We appreciate Governor Ivey supporting our efforts to provide a first-class educational setting for the students in our service area. These improvements will allow us to enhance existing programs and work closely with local and state industry leaders to meet the demands of our ever-changing workforce,” said Rodgers. “This is only the beginning. Great days are ahead for the college and the communities we serve.”

Several state and local officials joined Ivey and Rodgers at the press conference, including: Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker, Rep. Steve Clouse, and Ozark Mayor Bob Bunting.

“I’m proud that Governor Ivey recognizes the great work being done across Alabama’s community colleges to train our state’s workforce for high-demand, high-wage jobs,” Baker said. “The improvements at the Ozark campus will have an immediate positive impact on the students we serve and will also take large strides towards ensuring the campus is meeting the needs of business and industry in the Ozark community.”

The first phase of the project is expected to begin this summer and all work is projected to be complete in 2019.