Senator Ken Yager announces the Tennessee General Assembly has approved $25 million for a new joint facility for Roane State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville in Fentress County. The funding is included in the FY23 budget, adopted by the legislature last week.
The appropriation will be used to build a permanent, 26,000-square-foot facility complete with Zoom-enabled classrooms, a science lab, and trade/technology programs.
“This significant appropriation is fantastic news for Fentress County and the region. Funding a permanent facility for Roane State Community College has been a top priority of mine since 2019 and I’m thrilled that goal is now coming to fruition,” said Sen. Yager. “The new facility will provide much needed associates degrees, Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified Nursing Assistant certificates, as well as Automotive and Welding Technology certificates. It will allow our young adults to acquire the skills they need to land well-paying jobs. I want to thank Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown), Rep. John Mark Windle (I-Livingston), County Executive Jimmy Johnson and the County Commission for their strong support.”
For 20 years, RSCC has served students in Fentress County but has never had a permanent home. Currently, it is using a leased 8,000-square-foot storefront and also offers classes in local schools. The new facility will enable the college to offer expanded programs in Fentress County.
