11/3/09 Bend

By Doug Johnson

The results are in, and Central Oregon Community College is about to change.

"We really thank everyone for all their effort, it's really been humbling to see how broad the support has been," says Jim Middleton, President of COCC.

The approval of the bond measure Tuesday night will provide more than $41.3 million in funding to construct new health and science buildings in Bend, a tech center in Redmond and campuses in Madras and Prineville. That's 2 million dollars less than a similar measure which failed last November. During the campaign, it was students who took a front seat getting out the vote.

"A lot of effort by a lot of people for a lot of good," says student Terry Link.

"Trying to spread the word, anyone that can, you know tell your friends tell everyone that you know, it's really important for everyone in your community whether you go to school or not, we should all try and support each other," says student Kailey Clark.

The majority of voters in Deschutes and Jefferson counties supported the bond, while voters in Crook County did not. Most of Klamath and Lake counties also voted against the bond, while Wasco county supported it. The total of those counties is under one thousand voters. The measure will cost the average homeowner less than two dollar per month. The state will now also match an additional $11.47 million, bringing the total the college would get to $53 million. That's money the college is glad won't go to waste.

"We are the students that can make the change, and we here right now are able to see how big of an impact it will have when we do have those buildings," Clark says.

"Thanks to everyone for all the hard work," Link says.