Three Rivers College to spend millions on construction projects

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Three Rivers College expects to spend more than $16 million on building construction and renovation in the Missouri towns of Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, Willow Springs and Kennett during the next two fiscal years.

The board of trustees discussed the plans during a workshop Wednesday on a proposed fiscal year 2014 budget that would total more than $34 million.

After setting enrollment records and expanding services at off-campus sites, Three Rivers is planning for the future, President Dr. Devin Stephenson said during the meeting at Montgomery Bank in Sikeston.

An operating budget of about $23.9 million is planned, an increase of about $1 million from the total proposed budget for the current fiscal year.

In addition, about $10.5 million will be designated to construction projects in FY14, followed by nearly $5.8 million the next year.

The projects include construction of an eastern campus in Sikeston; a new classroom building and softball building, as well as renovations and maintenance at the Poplar Bluff campus; a new safe room and renovations in Kennett; and renovations of a facility in Willow Springs.

About 63 percent of the overall costs, or nearly $10.2 million, will be paid for through the sale of bonds in FY13, FY14 and FY15.

Another 27 percent, or $4.4 million, will be generated by grants from federal and state emergency management agencies, according to documents presented at the meeting. The college also will fund about $1.7 million from reserves.

The Sikeston campus will become the nerve center for Three Rivers' work on the eastern side of its service area, said Stephenson, who believes it will see 1,000 students enrolled in the first 18 months.

Sikeston center director Missy Marshall agreed, basing her opinion, she said, on the number of students turned away.

"Three Rivers has not saturated this market," she said during a luncheon held with Sikeston-area community leaders following budget discussions.

A certified nurse's assistant class for 15 students will begin in July, with more than 80 students on a waiting list, Marshall said. It will be held in donated space at another location because the Three Rivers building in Sikeston lacks the classrooms to accommodate it.

"Three Rivers' coming to Sikeston is one of the most positive things to happen to Sikeston in many years," said Sikeston businessman Randy York, adding the timing couldn't be better.

In the last two years, the number of students from outside the taxing district has equaled enrollment inside the taxing district, Stephenson said. He expects revenue generated outside the taxing district to outpace this year's revenue from taxes and tuition in the taxing district.

Sikeston construction in the next two fiscal years will complete the project's first phase, a 43,000-square-foot building with three floors, Stephenson said. A second phase of the project would add an applied technology building and a third phase a nursing and allied health building.

Meeting participants admitted fundraising has been slow, citing the sluggish economy. Fundraising also has been hindered by fears from some community members that the project would fall through and donations would benefit other sites, said one participant, adding this will change once work begins at the site. A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively planned for August.

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust has raised $883,500 in cash and pledges from a community campaign for all projects the college is working on, said executive director Emily Parks. The trust has received a total of nearly $2 million from all donations, including property and scholarship contributions.

Other items in the college budget include improving campus security through the addition of an audible alarm system, additional cameras and electronic locks for doors. Further improvements are planned for student housing and Three Rivers' technological infrastructure. Additional scholarships have been budgeted for athletics, including baseball.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO

Poplar Bluff, MO

Willow Springs, MO

Kennett, MO