The final sequence of structural steel has been erected for the nursing, health and science building at East Central College in Union. Ironworkers now are working on installing the metal deck, metal pan stairs and miscellaneous ironwork, and are beginning rebar and mesh placement in preparation for pouring the concrete floors. In spite of the severe winter weather and recent rainy conditions, work on the new nursing, health and science building at East Central College is proceeding on schedule.

Structural steel is complete and concrete for the floors is scheduled to be poured this month. Plumbers, electricians and mechanical contractors are working on rough-in of pipe and ducts.

Tim Masa of Paric Corporation, the construction manager for the project, told college trustees at their recent meeting that 16 days have been lost due to weather, but the building should be substantially completed by December 18.  That should enable the new space to be open when students return for the start of the 2009 spring semester January 20.

Change orders amounting to a net deduction of more than $3,200 were approved by the board.

The majority of the changes have to do with additions or deductions for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, concrete and fire protection aspects of the job.

"With the revisions approved this month and the others previously approved, change orders represent less than 1 percent of the construction cost," said Jon Bauer, executive dean of finance and administration at ECC. "We are pleased that the changes have not significantly increased the cost of the project.

"On March 19, $9.8 million in general obligation bonds were issued for the construction project.

The 51,800 sq.ft. facility will house classrooms, labs and equipment to accommodate growth in ECC's nursing, emergency medical services and science programs.

A $15.8 million bond issue to finance construction was approved by ECC District voters in August 2006. The first series of bonds, totaling about $6 million, was issued in December 2006.