(Council Bluffs) — Construction work changing the shape of Iowa Western Community College’s facilities is planned for the next several months following voter approval of a major bond package.
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Back in November, voters in Iowa Western’s 13-county coverage area approved $55 million for numerous building and renovation projects. At least one initiative is already underway. Iowa Western President Dr. Daniel Kinney told KMA News that preliminary dirt work continues on the new transportation logistics center on the Council Bluffs campus.
"Honestly, the pad right now is doing surge," said Kinney, "getting that compaction that is needed, so that they could do that before the harder winter hits, so that can sit over the winter—based on our last results that were there. So, once we kind of get through winter, probably March, April, they can probably start digging the footings. So, we're excited about that moving forward."
Kinney said construction of the logistics center is expected to take 18 months to two years. Once completed, the facility will significantly expand the college’s ability to train students in high-demand transportation fields.
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"The exciting portion of that building is being able to move our diesel and our auto (mechanic program) up there," he said, "move our CDL out of a parking lot up into a true CDL course facility, and then starting a new program, supply change logistics management, up there. So, we're excited about getting that."
College leaders say the project represents one of the largest upgrades to Iowa Western’s career and technical education infrastructure in decades. The new space will allow students to train in modern shop environments that mirror real industry conditions, while also giving local employers a stronger pipeline of skilled workers.
Planning is also moving ahead for renovations at Iowa Western’s Clarinda campus and centers in Shenandoah and Atlantic. Those improvements are designed to create flexible industrial training areas that can be adapted to different programs and community needs.
"We're going to start working on contractors now," said Kinney, "now that we got the final plans drawn up on how we're going to create that type of space. Cross my fingers, we can get people in, but hopefully on August 1, we'll have those spaces open so that we can do more in Shenandoah, Clarinda and Atlantic in that career technical (area), working with our high school partners, but more importantly, what can we do for those adult learners in those communities."
Kinney said the projects in Clarinda, Shenandoah and Atlantic are the main construction priorities beyond the Council Bluffs logistics center. Officials hope the upgraded facilities will strengthen partnerships with area high schools and provide new opportunities for adults seeking retraining or certification.
The bond-funded projects come as demand for skilled trades and logistics workers continues to rise across southwest Iowa. College administrators believe the investments will position Iowa Western as a regional hub for transportation, manufacturing and technical education for years to come.
Kinney added that more detailed timelines will be released as contractors are selected and final budgets are confirmed.
Orriginally reported by Mike Peterson in KMA Land.
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