Donations continue for CCSN auto center

Friday, March 11, 2005 | 9:56 a.m.

The Community College of Southern Nevada has received $60,000 more in pledges and donations toward the construction of a new automotive technology center.

The $50,000 pledge from the Southern Nevada Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers Association Inc. and the $10,000 donation from Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association will go toward the CCSN Foundation's $1 million commitment, executive director Diana Wilson said.

The foundation agreed to raise or cover $1 million of the $20 million building, to be built in two phases over a course of five years. The first $500,000 came from MaryKaye Cashman of Cashman Equipment Co.

Other companies, such as Ted Wiens Tire and Auto, have also committed significant funds to the automotive technology program. Including in-kind donations and scholarships for about 30 students, Wiens will be committing about $15,000 to $20,000 annually to the program, Wilson said.

Phase one of the project is on the Board of Regents priority capital construction list for $10 million, but was not placed on Gov. Kenny Guinn's list. The college hopes to pay for the second phase through student fees that will be supplemented by private companies.

Wilson said many donors are waiting to see if the Legislature funds the project before they commit more dollars.

"I think they are holding back to see what's happening," Wilson said.

The associate's degree program was forced to turn away more than 450 students last semester because of lack of space, college officials said.