Dixie Technical College is moving forward with plans to expand its campus as state leaders consider funding for a new Trades and Technology Building designed to address growing demand for hands-on workforce training across Southern Utah.
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A funding request for the proposed facility will be submitted to the Utah Legislature as part of the Utah Board of Higher Education’s updated budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. According to college officials, the new building is critical to meeting student demand in programs that consistently experience waitlists.
A statement issued by Dixie Tech Vice President Jeremiah Terry said the project is “essential to expanding high-demand programs that experience waitlists.” The proposed building would span approximately 91,700 square feet and allow the college to expand nine existing programs, including diesel technology, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, and digital design. Plans also call for the creation of eight new programs, including structural and wildland firefighting, automation and robotics, and composite materials construction.
“The additional space will also allow the college to introduce new programs designed to meet the evolving workforce needs of local employers,” the college said.
At a Nov. 20 meeting, the Utah Board of Higher Education updated its final budget priorities for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Those priorities include $10.7 million in new ongoing funding to expand high-demand programs with waitlists and support pre-funding for capital facilities at both Ogden-Weber and Dixie Technical colleges.
The board also adjusted the one-time state funding request associated with the Dixie Tech project. That request is expected to decrease by at least $918,700, pending a formal construction estimate from the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management. The final estimate is expected ahead of the board’s January 2026 meeting.
In the meantime, Dixie Tech leadership continues to work with state agencies and industry partners to advance the project.
“Over the past year, Dixie Technical College has worked collaboratively with the state’s department of facilities and construction management, along with builders and architectural firms, to identify cost-saving strategies and operational efficiencies,” the college stated. “President Rushton will continue working with state and local leaders to secure the remaining funding needed for the project during the upcoming legislative session. During last year’s session, $8 million was appropriated to initiate the project.”
College officials say the expansion would significantly strengthen workforce pipelines by increasing access to career-focused education aligned with employer needs.
“The expansion of training space on the Dixie Tech campus will allow us to better meet the needs of our industry partners who are working to fill their pipeline with skilled trades professionals,” Dixie Tech President Jordan Rushton said.
He added, “I am deeply grateful for the statewide support this project has received and for the many individuals who have worked behind the scenes to help make this much-needed training space a reality.”
State leaders emphasized that the overall budget proposal remains adaptable as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 legislative session.
“These updates ensure our budget recommendations reflect the most accurate information available as we prepare for the 2026 legislative session,” said board member Danny Ipson. “They continue to support the Board’s commitment to strengthening Utah’s workforce and helping our colleges and universities serve students effectively and efficiently.”
Originally reported by Nick Fiala in St. George News.
