In the midst of the California education budget crisis, the San Diego Community College District board of trustees awarded bids for the construction of the Career Technology Center on June 19 at San Diego City College.

The original budget for the CTC building was estimated to be $44.79 million, but with construction still in progress the anticipated budget is already totaling $39.5 million.

In an attempt to maintain the original budget, District Chancellor Constance Carroll, Vice Chancellor Dave Umstot and the district staff have developed a new construction management format to lure a more diverse group of subcontractors.

“The construction management multiple prime approach has enabled us to attract more small businesses and diverse subcontractors to our bond program.” District Chancellor Constance states. “We are also committed to sustainability, and we are seeking a minimum Silver LEED certification on this project.”

The new budget plan is around $5.21 million under the original estimation.

Rich Dittbenner, director of Public Information and Government Relations says of the savings, “The Chancellor is very pleased that the favorable bidding climate in San Diego is resulting in substantial savings over estimated costs of construction. This will enable the re-deployment of funds to other City College projects.”

Board President Marty Block says, “The award of these bids reflects two important goals of the district; namely, saving taxpayer’s money wherever possible while seeking to be environmentally responsible.”

The newly constructed CTC is going to be home to a developing Nursing program, as well as Cosmetology, Photography, and the new College Police headquarters for City College.

On top of these programs, the new CTC will also be environmentally friendly, including a photovoltaic, which involves the direct transfer of electromagnetic radiation, making sunlight into electricity.

Companies such as: A.O. Reed; Alpha Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.; Applied Waterproofing Technology, Inc.; Artimex Iron Co., Inc; Brady Co. San Diego, Inc. (2 contracts); Commercial & Industrial Paving, Inc.; Industrial Commercial Systems, Inc.; Lozano Caseworks, Inc.; Magnesite Specialties Inc.; Modern Masonry; Park West Landscape Inc; Pecoraro, Inc.; Prime Tile, Inc. (2 contracts); Rusco, Inc.; Sheedy Hoist; Southland Electric, Inc.; The McIntyre Company; Webcor Construction, LP; Western bay Sheet Metal, Inc. submitted the lowest responsible successful bids.