Go Oregon Projects at RCC

Work on nearly $4 million in Oregon stimulus package projects began in April 2009 with most of the construction affecting the campus near Grants Pass.

Projects also are scheduled at the Illinois Valley Learning Center in Kerby, the Riverside Campus in Medford, and the Table Rock Campus in White City.

The Oregon Legislature approved an economic stimulus package totaling more than $72 million aimed at reducing the state's high unemployment rate and improving the economy. RCC's share is $4 million.

The Redwood Campus upgrades include:

• replacing windows
• replacing air conditioners
• installing new paving and road striping
• replacing wooden decks and sidewalks
• reroofing several buildings
• replacing seating in the Rogue Building auditorium
• upgrading communication network wiring
• adding safety lighting throughout the campus.

Illinois Valley Learning Center deferred maintenance includes:

• plumbing
• electrical
• windows
• other upgrades

More than 99,000 square feet of carpet will be laid district wide, while aging network and communication infrastructure will be upgraded at the Redwood, Table Rock and Riverside campuses, along with roof replacement and HVAC upgrades.

The RCC Board of Education passed an emergency declaration in February allowing the college to enter contracts for the $4 million in projects. An overwhelming response from local contractors resulted in over 150 contractors expressing an interest in bidding on the 11 major projects and some 70 smaller projects. About 97 percent of the contractors submitting proposals are from Josephine or Jackson counties while the remaining proposals are primarily from Douglas and Klamath County contractors.

During April, 11 main project areas were begun with several sub-projects on all three campuses with 5 new Oregon jobs created, 42 Oregon jobs sustained and subcontractors hired and 24 Oregon vendors utilized.

Work on all main project areas will continue for several months. Several sub-projects will be completed by the end of May such as roofing, deck replacement, and concrete work on Redwood Campus.