Specifically, $235,000 will be released to create a Disaster Remediation Training Facility. The 3,000 square foot facility will consist of a state-of-the-art classroom and training lab for students. The lab will replicate a residential house that will then be purposely flooded to teach students how to dry out the facility in order to mitigate water damage.
 Graduates of the program will be issued one or more certifications, thus improving their attractiveness to insurance companies and disaster recovery companies for future employment opportunities.

 The development of the facility is directly related to the recent addition of Code Blue, LLC to the Clark County area. The Wisconsin-based company expanded operations to Springfield this past spring and plans to bring 225 new, full-time jobs to the area. Code Blue, a subsidiary of Insurance Claims Management, is a third-party property insurance claims management firm.

“Increasing individuals’ opportunities for hands-on training in such important areas as disaster recovery will greatly benefit the safety of the community, as well as increase the potential for further economic development,” said Widener.

Additionally, $1,270,607 was approved to begin construction on the Performing Arts Center Expansion/Clark State Arts Center project. This project will consist of constructing a 27,000 square foot facility to house classrooms for the theatre arts academic program, labs for Project Jericho outreach to disadvantaged youth, and a space to accommodate lectures and small rehearsals/performances in theatre, music and voice.

 The project is also funded by local donations consisting primarily of monies raised from businesses and individuals during the College’s Major Gifts Campaign, which began in 2003, and a private foundation grant in the amount of $850,000.

 “Clark State is a vital part of our community as it brings an affordable, well-rounded education to those looking to further their education,” Widener said. “These funds will assist in continuing this great legacy by providing more opportunities for students to grow and learn.”