It has been three years since Rock and Green County voters approved Blackhawk Technical College's $32 million referendum project to create state-of-the-art facilities for the College’s Public Safety and Transportation programs. Located at the corner of West Sunny Lane and Prairie Street along the northeast side of Central Campus, the project is now entering its final stages, with the last building expected to be completed by spring.
"Celebrating the progress of this transformative project fills me with gratitude for our community and optimism for the future,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk.
The complex, which is known as the Public Safety + Transportation Studies Complex (PSTC), already includes the Center for Transportation Studies, an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, a Fire Tower, an observation building and a scenario training village.
Nearing completion is the new Public Safety Education Center, which will house classrooms for Blackhawk’s emergency services, fire and police programs as well as a track, gym and fitness center. Most of the building’s exterior work is complete, with crews set to finalize the interior work over the winter.
In 2018, Blackhawk purchased the land at West Sunny Lane and Prairie Street to address the growing demand for additional training spaces. After reviewing all needs, Blackhawk proposed a multi-purpose training complex for EMS/EMT, Fire Protection Technician, Law Enforcement, CDL/Truck Driver Training, Auto Technician, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician and Motorcycle Rider Safety. The complex also serves 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 2021. By June 2022, nearly all of the projects on the main training grounds were complete and open for use. Construction on the Public Safety Education Center began in October 2022.
"As we near the completion of these cutting-edge facilities, I am confident that they will empower our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in their academic pursuits and careers,” Dr. Pierner said.