Even though county funding for a new Regional Workforce Development Center is not expected to be included in the next county budget, Harford Community College hasn't dropped its plans for the building.
"We're doing all the paperwork," Rick Johnson, vice president for finance and operations said at Tuesday night's HCC Board of Trustees meeting. "We are still going through the hurdles with the state."
The $29.4 million project planned for the HCC campus is one a handful brought to a virtual standstill in early January when Harford County Executive Barry Glassman announced he was putting a hold on spending on any new capital projects until the county's revenue picture improves.
Johnson declined to give a time frame for when such a building, that would house all career and technical education programs under one roof, might be funding and when the project could move forward.
Such a facility is desperately needed at Harford Community College, trustees Chairman James Valdes said.
"We need to increase our share of trades," he said.
Following the meeting, Valdes gave the example of welders, who can earn upward of $100,000 a year. HCC also needs to be able to be able to further develop its technical education programs, like HVAC, welding, carpentry and plumbing.
"We do those things, but we really need a designated facility to increase enrollment in those," he said. "Trades are really very, very important."
As for capital projects under way, the roof on Susquehanna Hall should be finished this week, Johnson said. It has been delayed by the weather.
Also affected by the weather is construction of Hickory Center, which will house computer and technology services; the general contractor is 23 days behind, Johnson said. A July completion date is expected.