Today the Westmoreland County Community College broke ground on 1.8- acres –home to the future WCCC-Latrobe Center. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Westmoreland managed demolition and site clearance for the project funded by Westmoreland County.

According to Authority executive director April Kopas, “This is exactly the type of impact project the Authority’s Board of Directors is seeking, especially with such enthusiastic partners in the City of Latrobe and Westmoreland County Community College. This is a significant revitalization project that has positive economic benefits for the entire county”.

New construction of the 30,000 square-foot facility estimated at $8.4 million is slated for completion in time for the 2014-2015 academic year. The two-story building will house computer classrooms; labs for biology and health; faculty and administrative offices; student study areas and multi-purpose rooms for community activities.

“We are extremely grateful for the county’s support and excited to bring to the community a new state-of-the-art learning facility for students and residents”, said Daniel Obara, President of the Westmoreland County Community College.

City officials agree that the presence of students near the core of downtown Latrobe will enhance retail development. “Students in the center of our community will be wonderful to see” said Mayor Barbara Griffin. “We more than welcome their activity and invite them to consider living in town”.

As part of its “Investing in Our Community” campaign to support building and renovation initiatives and student scholarships, the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation awarded $500,000 toward the project.

The Latrobe project is part of a renewed focus by the county’s Redevelopment Authority to rehabilitate and reinvigorate downtown areas. The RACW is also working on community impact projects in downtown Derry Borough and Mount Pleasant Borough. For more information about the Redevelopment Authority, visit www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/redevelopment.