GF CIA still waiting for federal funding

With donations secured the Grand Forks Career Impact Academy is ready to go…or not.

While supporters were able to raise some $11 million dollars towards the project a $10 million dollar match from the state still has not been funded at the federal level. That combined with increased inflationary pressures will likely push the 52,000 square foot building beyond the original $21 million dollar price-tag.

Grand Forks Career and Technical Education Director Eric Ripley says it’s possible the state may step in to fund the federal share on an upfront basis for this and other projects around the state.

School Board members received an update on the project last night (Monday). Mike McLean of JLG Architects says one idea being considered is an outdoor student build area on the north side of the building.  “Have an area where students can showcase their work….exposure on Gateway….some discussion about building trades actually building homes on this location.”

The CIA would be located at the site of the former Grand Forks Inn Motel near Gateway and I-29.