(CENTREVILLE) – Glen Oaks Community College received some good news on Tuesday.

College officials say they were informed that their $7.3 million capital outlay project was included as part of the Michigan Legislature’s $100 million stimulus relief plan that was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday.

Glen Oaks is one of six universities and four community colleges to receive construction authorizations to share in $190 million in capital outlay bond funding in future years as the projects are completed.

The State of Michigan is providing $3.5 million of the Glen Oaks project, in addition to $1.5 million they provided earlier for capital improvements, resulting in a $2.9 million college portion. These funds will come from college reserves and donations from supporters.

Glen Oaks President Dr. David Devier says the original State approval was vetoed earlier this year because of the COVID-19 crisis. All capital outlay projects were put on hold in March, and only the projects which were halted in process are moving forward at this time.

Devier says this has been a long three year journey, and Glen Oaks has continued to work on plans over the summer. He says this is the real green light the school needs to proceed.

The Glen Oaks capital outlay plan calls for the total renovation of the north side of the campus, including the library, technical labs, art studio, business classrooms, restrooms and replacement of the bowed exterior walls.

Devier says the plan addresses maintenance, technology, safety and infrastructure upgrades to the 51 year old campus. The project will increase the value of college with their students and the community. Devier says they hope to begin construction in early summer.