One year ago, the majority of Rock and Green County voters approved Blackhawk Technical College’s $32 million referendum project, paving the way for the Public Safety + Transportation Center (PSTC). Since then, construction crews have begun to transform the once-vacant land at the corner of West Sunny Lane and Prairie Street along the northeast corner of Blackhawk’s Central Campus.
“This training facility is going to be a game-changer for the law enforcement academies here at BTC and local law enforcement agencies. We are going to be able to offer the best law enforcement training in the region,” said Troy Egger, Blackhawk’s Law Enforcement Coordinator.
The new facilities will serve first responder programs, including fire, EMS, and law enforcement, and include an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course pad, which is already in use for physical agility, traffic stop training, and drivers training. Installation of the new fire tower began on the site today.
“To now see it come to fruition makes me really proud of the time and effort we have put in on this project, knowing that it is dramatically going to improve what we do at Blackhawk,” said Rob Balsamo, the Fire and EMS program coordinator and the project lead.
Industry and community partners have supported the project from its earliest stages and have continued to do so during the construction phase.
“The new PSTC is already generating interest from local employers on how they can train drivers and other technicians in the logistics and transportation sectors,” said Mark Borowicz, Blackhawk’s Director of Workforce & Community Development. “The ability to utilize this state-of-the-art facility and its unique layout will continue to allow BTC to provide real and relevant hands-on training scenarios that meet the needs of our local and regional business partners.”
The project also is drawing interest from corporate donors. The Alliant Energy Foundation has pledged a $200,000 donation for naming rights for the new dig pit and utility pole lines. This transformative gift – BTC’s first leadership partner for this project – will enhance BTC’s Electric Power Distribution program.
“The community’s support solidified Blackhawk’s extensive community engagement efforts to educate and inform our district voters of the importance of educating the future workforce of first responders and the transportation industry,” said Lisa Hurda, Blackhawk’s Director of Advancement and Foundation.
Blackhawk purchased the land at West Sunny Lane and Prairie Street in 2018. It was an opportunity the college couldn’t pass up, as use of nearby parking lots for truck driver and law enforcement training was becoming more confined, and more space was needed for these growing academic areas.
“Our community recognized the need for state-of-the-art training facilities in the public safety and transportation sector and stepped forward with their support. As a result, the College is truly achieving our vision of delivering innovative education to enrich our vibrant communities. This project combined with other strategic initiatives are positioning Blackhawk Technical College as a first-choice and best-choice resource for education and training in our region,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk Technical College.
It was clear that additional training spaces were needed to best serve these students as well as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and distribution centers. And after reviewing all needs, Blackhawk proposed a multi-purpose training center for eight areas: Electric Power Distribution, EMS/EMT, Fire Protection Technician, Law Enforcement, CDL/Truck Driver Training, Auto Technician, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician, and Motorcycle Rider Safety. The center also will serve select workforce and community development offerings.
On Nov. 3, 2020, about 60 percent of voters favored the referendum, moving the project forward. Construction began in March and throughout the summer, asphalt was poured for the various training courses, allowing the public safety and truck driving programs to start using the outdoor tracks. By the end of the year, the Center for Transportation Studies is expected to be completed, with automotive programs starting in the spring.
By June 2022, nearly all of the projects on the main training grounds are expected to be complete and open for use, which will be a significant enhancement for Blackhawk’s safety and transportation programs.
“It has been a joy witnessing the tremendous confidence and support our great community demonstrated by making this important project come to fruition. As the construction has progressed, it is already demonstrating how transformative this training complex will be for our students, the College, and the community for generations to come,” Dr. Pierner said.