Gov. Andy Beshear paid a visit to Hopkinsville today to present a $10 million check to Christian County Public Schools to support the construction of a vocational education center, which will be housed alongside its new consolidated high school.
“The current Gateway Academy to Innovation and Technology facility was built in the 1960s, and the most recent updates were two decades ago. During that time, technology and the industries that drive our economy have changed significantly,” Beshear said in a release. “I am excited we can help provide the funding for a brand new state-of-the-art facility. Career and technical education program facilities provide real opportunities to move our communities forward and continue our economic momentum.”
The Board of Education voted in August to build a consolidated high school, combining Hopkinsville and Christian County high schools and the district’s two vocational campuses into one facility. The new school, with a capacity of 2,500 students, is expected to open at the start of the 2024-25 school year. District officials estimate the project will cost $115 million.
“The Christian County Public School system is on an exciting path forward to give students new academic and career opportunities,” CCPS Superintendent Christopher Bentzel said in a release. “We are grateful that Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly recognize the important work we are doing here and have awarded this grant to Christian County. These funds will be used to build a vocational education center that will be housed at our new state-of-the-art academy-style high school. The future is bright.”
The grant, awarded through the state’s School Facilities Construction Commission, was announced in late August and came from a pool of $75 million that the General Assembly earmarked for vocational facilities. Applicants were scored on several criteria including the age of the current vocational education facility and financial need
$500,000 awarded to county for bridge construction
The governor also awarded $500,000 to the Christian County Fiscal Court to design and construct a new single-span bridge to replace a wooden bridge on Davis Road, north of Crofton, that was closed this summer due to safety concerns.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
