12/4/02

Lake Michigan College Awards Site Work Contract

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - At its November meeting, the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees awarded Kalin Construction Company, Inc. of Sodus the contract for site preparation work at the College's new campus site in South Haven. Kalin Construction was the lowest of five bidders at $287,825.76.

Site preparation is expected to begin in early December at the 22.37 acre parcel located on Veterans Boulevard in the I-196 Business Park off Phoenix Road. The scope of the site work will include preparing the building pad for foundation construction, soil erosion control measures, and installation of all storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water lines. The work is expected to be complete within 60 days of the start date.

In addition, the College expects to release bid requests for general contracting services December 5.

LMC's newest campus will be a 42,000 square-foot, two-story facility. It will feature 12 general classrooms, a two-way interactive classroom, science labs, two computer labs, and a childcare center. Western Michigan University will have additional space in the facility consisting of two classrooms, a computer lab, and an office/reception area for the delivery of bachelor's and master's degree courses.

Voter approval to join the LMC district from residents in the South Haven School district in January paved the way for a grant from the State of Michigan that will pay for half of the expected $7.8 million construction cost. The remaining cost of the campus will be paid through a bond issued by the college early this year backed by property tax revenues from the annexed area.