MACKINAC COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Board of Directors and leadership of Great Lakes Boat Building School hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking of its $3.8 million Marine Technology Center over the weekend on campus in Cedarville, Michigan.

Great Lakes Boat Building School Board Chairman Joe Reid introduced President Nikki Storey, who presided over the event with some remarks and introduced the special guests who attended to celebrate a monumental day in the history of the school.

“Today, we celebrate what many thought was an insurmountable challenge we faced several years ago ~ expand facilities to enroll more students and enhance programming,” said Storey. “Not only did we secure a $2.7 million EDA grant, a Mass Timber Grant with Michigan State University, we also had to raise our $1.1 million match through a privately funded capital campaign. Thank you to those who have participated. We are almost to the finish line.”

Construction for the 10,000 square foot marine skilled trades training facility will commence in the second quarter of 2023. This expansion of the GLBBS instructional infrastructure is in direct response to the needs of the marine industry. The structure will facilitate instruction with hands-on skills training in marine service and marine electronics technologies. The new Marine Electronic Technology program will be the first of its kind in the nation.

The project also includes new docking and waterfront improvements along with interior student life improvements like a student commons area.