Gazette opinion: Time to invest in colleges of technology

Most jobs in Montana require post-secondary education, but less than a four-year degree. Looking to meet that need, the 2003 Legislature commissioned a study. As a result, three of the colleges of technology are back this year with plans for upgrading their educational programs. House Bill 540, sponsored by Sue Dickenson, D-Great Falls, proposes issuing state bonds to fund capital improvements at the colleges of technology in Billings, Great Falls and Helena.

The biggest single project in the bill is $16.5 million for renovation and expansion of the College of Technology in Great Falls. The bill includes $7.5 million to consolidate several buildings to make the Helena COT more efficient. It proposes $9.5 million for the Billings COT.

Full Opinion: http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/02/13/build/opinion/30-gazette-opinion.inc