Supporters of a proposed Career Impact Academy in Grand Forks plan to apply for $10 million in state funding. Another $10 million would then be required in a local match… from private donations and public sources.
The Academy would offer hands-on training for K-12 students and adult learners.
Altru Health System says it will invest $1 million toward the cause. Grand Forks County Commissioners have been asked to add another $1.5 million.
The Grand Forks Public Schools would operate the Academy, but the big question is, how do you fund it after it’s built?
Eric Ripley, executive director of career and technical education for the school system, says that’s being worked on.
“We just had a meeting the other day with our architects and our buildings and grounds director to look at the cost of ownership from utilities (to) maintenance,” Ripley said on KNOX Radio.
“It’s a moving target in terms of, you can design the building to be energy-efficient on the front end with some of the materials that are utilized, but obviously, there needs to be that plan developed and presented to our community and to our school board.”
Ripley says the School Board will hear a presentation on Nov. 8, with possible approval on Nov. 22. The deadline to apply for state funding is Dec. 1st.
The former Grand Forks Inn and Suites has been identified as a potential site for the facility.
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