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  • Autry Technology Center plans to expand to add space for its programs. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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April 4, 2010

Autry Tech to add on this summer

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — A 13,000-square-foot construction project at Autry Technology Center to expand the technical services and business and industry areas is expected to begin by late May, sources at the center have confirmed.

Estimated cost of the project is $1.3 million.

Molly Helm, Autry’s spokesperson, said additional space is needed for the construction program and for the business and industry program.

“It has just grown incredibly in the last five to 10 years,” Helm said. “It serves 400 businesses.”

Expansion will be on the east side of the present building and will extend south. It will begin east of the present welding and automotive area and will allow more space for construction, technology, heating and air and welding programs as well as office space for business and industry services.

She expects construction to start within 30 days.

The construction will be a “green” project using as much green technology as possible, including 40 geothermal wells. Construction funding comes from the school building fund and has been part of ongoing planning at the school, Helm said.

The additional space will not result in any new staff positions immediately, she said.

The last significant construction at Autry Technology Center was the 2007 construction of a $2.6 million business development center. It subsequently was named for James W. Strate, superintendent of the school, who led the way in the funding drive to develop the business incubator program.

Autry’s construction project will be discussed by the Enid Metropolitan Area Planning Commission tonight.

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