The College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees has decided to waive conditions and continue forward with the intent to purchase land at the corner of Main Street and Whitewater Blvd. in Boise, with a reduction of $150,000.
“The Board made their decision based on a thorough review of factors such as cost, environmental test, land surveys, audits, development options, comments from city officials, and community input,” said CWI spokesperson Jennifer Couch.
“After reviewing all the factors associated with long-term development on the property, we believe it will be the best solution for a permanent Ada County Campus,” said Guy Hurlbutt, CWI Board Vice Chairperson. “The property offers great access and the capacity to build a campus that meets the needs of our community, with the added potential to be a great anchor for Boise’s West End.”
At this time, CWI officials say the school will continue providing classes in the leased facilities in the Black Eagle complex in west Boise, while continuing to work on programming and designs for the permanent campus.
“Currently, the College has completed programming for two additional buildings on the main campus in Nampa for a Health Sciences building and a Student Success Center, a mixed use building that includes student support services. Consolidation of leased building and development in both Ada and Canyon Counties will ensure educational offerings are accessible to students throughout our community,” Hurlbutt added.
CWI’s enrollment has grown to more than 20,000 students a year being served through academic and workforce training. To keep up with the demand for an educated and career ready workforce, the College has assumed leased spaces in business complexes that cost more than $2 million a year. These locations are not ideal for long-term sustainability and program growth, CWI official said. To continue to help bridge the skills gaps of individuals and businesses of Ada and Canyon Counties, CWI is planning for the future by investing in permanent campus facilities in Boise and Nampa.
