"All of us who live in the area know how vital getting this building is to the educational opportunities in our area," said Gayle McKeachnie, rural affairs coordinator for the governor's office. "This building is intricately linked to diversifying our economy, taking the hills and valleys out of the swing that occurs with oil and gas extraction."

Enrollment is expected to increase dramatically, especially in concurrent enrollment programs with Uintah High School students who will now easily be able to access USU Uinta Basin courses as part of their routine school day.

Hundreds of students are expected to take advantage of the increased capacity, allowing them to graduate with associate degrees when they graduate from high school.

Industrial safety, petroleum technology, science and computer labs, business classrooms, welding, drafting labs, custom-fit training, and culinary arts courses are just a few of the offerings that will be available through the UBATC.

When everything gets up to speed, it's estimated that an additional 11 instructors would be needed between the two schools.

The dramatic upturn in oil and gas activity in the basin also plays into the facility's improved funding position. The joint building concept has also received "tremendous community support" basinwide, Hacking said.

"We have had a lot of support from Duchesne County even though this will be built in Vernal," Hacking said.

The Uintah School District has provided acreage for the new UBATC-USU Uinta Basin building, Ashley Valley Medical Center has donated $50,000 and Uintah County commissioners have agreed to help financially with as much as $4.5 million, if it is needed, Hacking said.

"We hope to reduce the amount the county is paying through local donations, and we are hoping the state will put in more than the $9.9 they have talked about," he said.

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E-mail: ubs@ubstandard.com