Andrea Diaz
Staff Writer
The College of Technology recently received a 2.3 million dollar grant to build a new building for the Diesel Technology program on the Idaho State University campus. The grant was awarded by the Economic Development Administration.
The diesel training started in 1978 and has changed over the years, but one big change they currently needed was a new facility. The CoT doesn’t consider the current facility to be suitable to teach students in due to it being uncomfortable and difficult to heat and cool.
The building’s main purpose will be to facilitate the Onsite Power Program, a one year program for students that have just received their associate’s degree in diesel technology.
“This program trains technicians to work on emergency and standby diesel powered electric power generation equipment. This equipment can be found at hospitals, data centers, airports and a myriad of other locations where electrical power is vital to the operation of that business or industry,” said Scott Rasmussen, Dean of the College of Technology.
The new facility will have research labs, classrooms, testing areas, engine dynamometers and other equipment for students to get proper hands-on training. Engine Dynamometers are used by our Auto Collision and Repair, Auto Technology, and Diesel Technology programs to measure horsepower, torque, and other engine and drivetrain parameters.
“The hands-on training our graduates receive in this program not only prepares them for successful careers, but also meets a critical workforce need in our communities.
Receiving this grant will help us to expand opportunities and meet an ever-growing demand,” said President Kevin Satterlee.
The new facility will be located adjacent to the Eames Complex on the South side. This is helpful to the Diesel students because the old facility was located a couple miles from the other College of Technology buildings. With this new facility, students will now be able to easily walk between buildings. This will also create a safer area for students now that they don’t have to walk or drive from building to building.
The construction and finish date of the new building is unclear as of now, but the tentative beginning of construction is going to be this summer. They would also like to get the building finished by the upcoming fall semester in 2021 so students can utilize the new facility as soon as possible.
“This monumental show of support will allow the College of Technology to be a national leader in diesel electric and power generation education. With the growing national need for emergency on-site power generation, this new facility will allow the program to increase the number of skilled technicians to provide a workforce in high demand for today and tomorrow,” Rasmussen said.
