Sale of land hinges on passing of UCC bond levy

MYRTLE CREEK, Ore. -- Umpqua Community College officials have announced the location of the college's Regional Training Center.

Right next to South Umpqua High School lies almost 20 acres of empty land. But, if the UCC bond levy passes in the May election, that will soon change.

Officials with the college announced today that UCC will be purchasing the land for $535,000.

The sale of the land is contingent upon the passing of the upcoming levy, but if voters approve the bond, President Joe Olson says that will mean easier access to college classes for south county students.

"High school students will be able to walk out the front door and see Umpqua Community College right across the parking lot," he said. "That certainly improves the accessibility for our students." 

According to UCC officials, roughly 20% of UCC students come from south county, and Olson believes they will have a much easier time fitting classes into their schedule if they don't have to drive all the way to the main campus.

South Umpqua Superintendent Steve Kelley is excited for the opportunities he believes the Regional Training Center will mean for thousands of students. "It's great for us to have it right across the parking lot, but it's equally as good for all the children in south county for this to take place and for this partnership," he said.

The bond levy will appear on the May 15 ballot, and officials say if it passes construction would begin "immediately." .

If passed, it would bring in $40-million to the college, along with $17-million by the state.