Gogebic CC gets infrastructure upgrade with state funding

What's happening: Gogebic Community College in Ironwood has received $310,600 to update campus buildings and technology from the state of Michigan. The funding, as part of a $32.8 million appropriation for infrastructure improvements at 22 community colleges, came from the Michigan 2023 budget. GCC will use the money to help offset costs to renovate the roof on the Rutger Erickson Academic Building.

Saving an important building: The Rutger Erickson Academic Building is one of the oldest and most used buildings on the campus, first opening in 1969. The building includes administrative offices for the president and vice president of business services, the Gogebic Community College Foundation and alumni services. It also houses a large number of classrooms, laboratories and the school library. Maintaining the cornerstone building of the campus helps continue traditions at the Upper Peninsula’s oldest community college.

What they're saying: “The funding received from the state of Michigan will help reduce the replacement cost of our roof on the Academic Building. This investment in our infrastructure will be key to further improvements for our students and our community,” said Chad Lashua, vice president of Business Services.

What's next: GCC will put roof bids out to the public this spring. The goal is to complete the project by fall to give students and staff a construction-free learning and working environment.