(Council Bluffs) A bond referendum for Iowa Western Community College will appear on the November 4th election ballot.
Dr. Daniel Kinney, President of Iowa Western Community College, said the $55 million bond referendum is intended to expand and modernize the college’s Career and Technical Education programs.
The bond would fund construction of a new 86,000-square-foot Transportation and Logistics building in Council Bluffs, which would double capacity for automotive, diesel, and CDL training. It would also support renovations to existing facilities to expand other career and technical programs, increasing enrollment capacity by 40 to 50 percent for welding, plumbing, HVAC, construction, and electrical programs.
Dr. Kinney noted that enrollment in Diesel Technology has surged 234% over the past five years, while Automotive Technology has grown by 180%. These programs are now operating at their limits, leaving qualified students unable to enroll.
The bond will also fund improvements at Iowa Western centers in Atlantic, Clarinda, and Shenandoah.
Again, if passed, the 2025 bond referendum will replace expiring bonds and will not increase current property tax rates.
