Collin College board of trustees, McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller and Steve Terrell break ground on the 128,000-square-foot facility.[/caption]The center is part of the master plan that was many months in the making, Collin College District President Neil Matkin said.
“This master plan, which was deliberated for over a year and a half, is aimed to expanding programming for academics and workforce as well as [expanding] facilities throughout Collin County,” Matkin said.
The center is part of the $600 million bond package that will come before voters in May. If the bond passes the college will reimburse itself for the costs of construction. However, if the bond is unsuccessful the college has sufficient funds to see this project through, Collin College CFO Ken Lynn said.
The new facility, which will be located at 3600 Redbud Blvd., McKinney, will house the college’s fire science and law enforcement academies and a professional development-training site for Collin County’s emergency services personnel. The center is being built in cooperation with the cities of McKinney and Allen. The cities will also provide funds for the new facility.
The 128,000-square-foot training center will include two multistory burn towers for fire training in residential and commercial firefighting settings. The Fire Science Academy areas of the facility will also include specialized simulators for training in hazardous materials fires and spills, civil aircraft and below-grade rescue in earth collapse extrications.
“[The center] will be a valuable resource for preparing our students and emergency response personnel from around our region for dangerous situations that police officers and firefighters encounter while protecting the public and its property," Matkin said.
The center is expected to be complete by summer 2018.
