Progress Continues on OCATT Center and Campus Improvements

In May 2024, Lincoln County voters overwhelmingly approved a $33 million bond measure to support career and technical education at Oregon Coast Community College. While visible construction hasn’t started yet, a great deal of work is underway behind the scenes—and we’re excited to share this update with our community.

OCATT Center Planning Advances

The Oregon Coast Advanced Technology & Trades (OCATT) Center is moving forward. In April, the College finalized the educational programs that will be offered in the new facility. These programs are now part of the “programming phase” of design—a process that ensures the building is tailored to serve students in trades and technology fields.

The design team is now entering the schematic design phase, where the layout and core structure of the building will be developed. At the same time, testing of two potential sites wrapped up this month, and the final site has been selected: the new OCATT Center will be built on our Central Campus in Newport. We anticipate breaking ground in mid-September.

Construction Partner Selected

OCCC has selected Lease Crutcher Lewis Construction (LCL) of Eugene as the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) for the project. LCL brings extensive experience in educational facilities and recently completed a similar trades-focused building at Lane Community College.

Work Begins Across Existing Campuses

The bond measure also supports upgrades to our existing facilities. That work is already underway. This spring, we began replacing outdated building controls and upgrading access and security systems.

Later this summer, smaller modernization projects will begin at our Central, North, and South County centers—ranging from repairs to interior improvements that will benefit students and staff across the district. At Lincoln City, the North County Center’s roof will be replaced and plans call for installation of solar panels across the west-facing half of the roof; early estimates anticipate the panels will produce 99% of the building’s annual power use and will have a payback of 10.9 years, with a solar production warranty of 25 years for the panels. Future updates will provide additional details about this project. 

Introducing the Bond Oversight Committee

In April, OCCC convened the first meeting of its Bond Oversight Committee (BOC). This group of community members will monitor spending to ensure funds are used as voters intended. They’ll also help keep the public informed throughout the life of the bond projects.

The College is grateful to the following individuals for serving on the BOC:

•Steve Percy

•Cynthia Jacobi

•Sandy Gruber

•Sue Anderson

•Peter Vince

•Leslie Palotas

•Bobbi Price

•Debbie Kilduff (Board of Education Liaison)

Stay Informed

To learn more about the OCATT Center, view renderings and timelines, and follow future updates, visit oregoncoast.edu/ocatt.