Linn-Benton Community College is asking voters to approve a $16 million bond on the May 17 ballot for its agricultural job training center, and facility and safety improvements.
If approved, a state matching grant of $8 million will be awarded toward the projects. The 15-year bond is estimated to increase property owners’ tax rate 7 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.
LBCC will use the funds to update the campus in Corvallis and childcare center in Albany, construct a new agricultural education center, and repair aging facilities. According to the bond explanatory statement, college buildings in Albany need an updated HVAC system, and the student services and courtyard areas need renovating.
The construction of a new agricultural education center is proposed to: provide facilities for training in agriculture, crop and animal sciences; provide a modern arena for equine and livestock classes; and include space for a multi-species program and community events.
Regarding the agricultural center, a statement on the LBCC website (linnbenton.edu/about-lbcc/news/2022/bond-vote.php) explains the college has to turn students away from its Agriculture and Animal Science programs due to limited space, and students have to use neighboring farms and outside facilities to get hands-on experience.
With an expanded training center, LBCC will not only increase enrollment and training abilities, but will also be able to offer new applied learning degrees including an Applied Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology in partnership with the Oregon State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
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