Jan 18, 2017 3 min read

Plans to put a possible Washington County CCAC satellite school in the former Donora Elementary Center is moving forward, with Phase I complete and Phase II underway.

Community College of Allegheny County President Dr. Quintin B. Bullock met with residents Tuesday at the Donora Borough social hall to update the status of the proposed training center. Phase I was a feasibility study of the site, community interest and what programs the community wants. “Yes, there is an interest in the community. We found that workforce development is the program that has the most interest here,” he said.

Bullock added that some of the programs being considered are truck driving, welding, HVAC, certified nursing assistant, plumbing, information technology, cyber security and mechatronics.

In the next six months, during Phase II, Bullock said the Hayes Design Group of Bridgeville will be working toward the final design, which will be brought to the CCAC board in June for approval. A decision will be made on whether the building is feasible or new construction will be more cost-effective.

“A final design concept will be ready by May, which we will be ready to put to the trustees at the June board meeting for approval,” said Bullock.

Resident Cindy Brice asked, “Will local companies be used in the construction of the school?”

James Messer, chief facilities officer of facilities management for CCAC, said, “We are focusing of Pittsburgh area firms for this phase. We will go through the same procedure, and local home-grown companies will be given preference and consideration.”

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta said, “I think this is amazing. We would love to see 200 to 300 students a day coming to the borough. The future looks pretty good.”

She added that she will continue to lend her support to the project.

Resident and business owner Jim McDonough also voiced support. He has purchased five properties in Donora, opened the antique and resale shop Junk and Disorderly with his wife, Angela, and plans on opening a diner later this year.

“This would be great for the community and, as business owners and residents, just to have that student traffic in our town will be great,” he said.

Donora Mayor Don Pavelko said he is happy to see the progress and excitement from the community.

“This will be a great thing for our town,” Pavelko said.

Currently, students from Washington County who attend CCAC are charged double the tuition of students from Allegheny County, because Allegheny County makes a contribution for its students. Tuition costs are $104.50 per credit for Allegheny County residents. Those living outside Allegheny County pay $209.50 per credit.

“We will engage the Washington County commissioners to come up with a plan to have the Washington residents pay what Allegheny County residents pay,” said Messer.

Bullock said there already is a relationship with California University in several degree programs, which can be a benefit to this satellite school.

Bullock said the real work begins after Phase II is approved. Once the design is finalized, with cost estimates, work can begin to finance the project.