News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 16, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

State's newest college campus will educate thousands for high-paying jobs, Locke says

BOTHELL - Gov. Gary Locke predicted the state's newest community college will prepare thousands of people for high-paying high technology and other jobs in his keynote speech at Cascadia Community College here.

"Today, we present the state of Washington with a gift - the first new community college in more than 30 years, along with a new branch campus for the University of Washington," the governor said at the school's dedication.

He noted Washington's information technology industries create more than 7,000 new jobs each year - but only 4,500 students graduate with high-tech certifications and degrees each year and the skills needed to fill them.

"This campus will help ensure that Washington residents get the training they must have to fill these positions," Locke said.

The new 127-acre campus is located at the intersection of Interstate 405 and State Route 522.

The governor noted the campus features a 54-acre wetland restoration project-one of the largest ever done in the state.

"The building of this campus represents the best of our state - a commitment to realizing the dreams of the future with a lasting stewardship to the land on which we learn and live," Locke said.

Approximately 2,000 students begin classes at the campus on Sept. 25. It consists of a combination classroom/administration building for Cascadia and the University of Washington branch campus, a shared library and physical plant and two parking garages.

Construction of the new campus is scheduled to be completed in 2005 if the Legislature provides funding. The completed first phase cost $197 million.

When completed, the campus will accommodate more than 10,000 students.

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