BTC Finalizes Proposal for Comprehensive Public Safety and Transportation Training Center

The Blackhawk Technical College District Board voted unanimously at their Aug. 19 meeting to place a referendum question on the Nov. 3, 2020 ballot. The College is requesting voter authority to borrow funds to build a comprehensive Public Safety and Transportation Training Center adjacent to the College’s Central Campus in Janesville. 

The College established a Research and Planning Committee of Blackhawk staff, stakeholders, and community partners in 2019 to evaluate campus needs and make recommendations about facility improvements to the College. The committee found that the College’s current public safety and transportation training facilities are inadequate, limit training opportunities, and create unsafe conditions. They recommended the College explore solutions to these high-priority facility needs.  

Working with Angus Young Architects, College leaders developed plans for a Public Safety and Transportation Center (PSTC). The proposed facility will include a high-speed emergency vehicle operator course (EVOC), fire training tower, water rescue area, semi-truck training course, scenario training village, and other specialized training facilities. A full site plan and more information about the proposed facility are available at blackhawk.edu/PSTC.     

If approved by voters, the new facility would serve students in fire, EMS/EMT, auto and diesel technician, law enforcement, truck driver training, motorcycle safety, and other programs. In addition to serving BTC students, the proposed training center would also offer regional fire, EMT, and police agencies local and accessible facilities for ongoing training and skills development.  

“The proposed Public Safety & Transportation Center will provide the community with a multi-purpose, local and dedicated training center where public safety and transportation students and professionals can train on specialized equipment, including a road course, in a safe environment,” said Blackhawk president Tracy Pierner. 

The total construction cost of the proposed project will not exceed $32 million. Approval of the Public Safety & Transportation Center will increase the debt service portion of the College’s tax rate by a maximum of $3.00 per $100,000 of property value over the current rate. This mill rate tax increase will last approximately two years before it begins to decline to current levels.  

More information about the proposed project, including a complete site plan, are available at blackhawk.edu/PSTC or by calling (608) 757-7772.  

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