Glen Oaks Community College’s $7.3 million capital outlay project was included as part of the Michigan legislature’s $100 million stimulus relief plan signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on December 21.

Glen Oaks is one of six universities and four community colleges to receive construction authorizations to share in $190 million in capital outlay bond funding in future years as the projects are completed. 

The state is providing $3.5 million of the Glen Oaks project in addition to $1.5 million they provided earlier for capital improvements resulting in a $2.9 million college portion. These funds will come from college reserves and donations from supporters.

“The original state approval was vetoed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 crisis,” Glen Oaks President Dr. David Devier said. “All capital outlay projects were put on hold in March. Only the projects which were halted in process are moving forward at this time.

“This has been a long three-year journey. We have continued to work on plans over the summer; but this is the real green light we need to proceed.”

The Glen Oaks capital outlay plan calls for the total renovation of the north side of campus including the library, technical labs, art studio, business classrooms, restrooms, and replacement of the bowed exterior walls.

“The plans address maintenance, technology, safety and infrastructure upgrades to our 51-year-old campus,” Devier said. “The project will increase the value of college with our students and the community. We hope to begin construction in early summer.”