Current News
Congressman Snyder, college officials announce plans for Transportation Technology Center10/24/2005
U.S. Representative Vic Snyder,
Congressman Snyder and college officials announced Oct. 24 that the college will receive a $1.27 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to assist in transforming the
In addition to the federal grant, the Pulaski Technical College Foundation also announced a private gift from the Crain Automotive Team of Dealerships that will be applied to construction of the center. The Crain Family Foundation also will endow a scholarship for students interested in the fields of transportation technology. In recognition of the gift, the college will name the community room in the new
Pulaski Tech, one of only 70 colleges in the nation to receive a U.S. Department of Labor grant award, purchased the
The center, which is scheduled to open in late 2006, will feature 153,600 square feet of instructional space with high-tech transportation labs, classrooms and offices. It will allow the college to expand existing programs in automotive, diesel and collision repair technology and to add a new program in motorcycle/all-terrain vehicle technology.
"We are very excited about this opportunity to expand our programs in support of the workforce training and education needs of the state's transportation industry," Dr. Dan F. Bakke, college president, said. "We are very appreciative to Congressman Snyder, the Crain Team and our other transportation technology partners for their continued support of our growth and development."
"As the college foundation seeks support from the community in the form of governmental funds and private gifts to advance the transportation center or other projects, it is so gratifying to us that people such as the Crain Team recognize the importance of the college to the community and are willing to invest in our success," said R.J. Wills, chair, Pulaski Technical College Foundation.
Larry Crain, president of Crain Automotive Team of Dealerships, said a trained workforce is vital to the success of businesses and industry to meet their employment needs.
"Pulaski Tech is a shining star in the state's education system," Crain said. "The Crain Team is very proud to support the college, its students and our local community."
Employer partners in the Transportation Technology Center project include the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association, Arkansas Trucking Association, Crain Automotive Team of Dealerships, J.A. Riggs Tractor Company, Caterpillar Foundation, CalArk International, Caldwell Toyota, Central Arkansas Transit Authority, CC Jones Trucking, Cummins Mid-South, Diamond International, FedEx Freight, Gwatney Chevrolet, J.B. Hunt, Maverick Transportation Inc., MHC Kenworth, Parker Automotive Group, PPG, Roadranger, Russell Chevrolet Honda, Ryder Transportation Services, Waste Management and Arkansas Core Exchange & Salvage.
Workforce partners include the Little Rock Workforce Investment Board, Central Arkansas Workforce Investment Board,
Education partners include the