Go Oregon at CCC Creates Jobs and Energy Savings

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Clackamas Community College set an example for responsible use of stimulus dollars aimed at creating jobs for Oregonians, Speaker of the House Dave Hunt told college staff during Inservice activities Sept. 23.

CCC, along with all the state's community colleges and universities, received "Go Oregon" stimulus dollars from the Legislature last spring. The state legislation provided funds that targeted deferred maintenance needs while creating jobs in the local economy.

"Clackamas totally led the way in that process, setting the pace for other colleges and universities," said Speaker Hunt. He added that the Legislature had only allocated additional money for deferred maintenance for two community colleges, and Clackamas was one of them.
"We did that because at Clackamas you can yield a tremendous return on investment," Hunt said.

Clackamas received $2.7 million under the stimulus package, half of which the college provided through matching funds. The stimulus monies at CCC were used to fund 29 deferred maintenance projects, sustaining 125 local jobs and creating 15 new jobs, according to Bill Leach, dean of Campus Services.

The work completed at CCC included projects that will save the college money through energy savings along with work addressing safety issues and general maintenance. One of the largest projects funded through the stimulus dollars is upgrading the college’s aging communications infrastructure. That project, which will be completed in January, replaces outdated technology that is expensive to maintain with an integrated voice and data system.

"All of our projects came in on time and on budget, many under budget. We know that some contractors bid on the low side to get jobs to keep their employees working," said Leach.

For more information, contact Janet Paulson at 503-657-6958, ext. 2307.