The board action authorizes the college administration to work with Wilkins Hinrichs Stober Architects of Kearney to develop building plans and specifications.

College President LaVern Franzen said college administration plans to advertise for construction bids for the project toward the end of 2008.

The project estimated to cost $12.2 million is scheduled for completion in May 2010.

The new building will be attached to the east end of the main building on the Grand Island Campus. It will house the campus' two-year associate degree in nursing program and one-year practical nursing program, and biology, chemistry and physical science classes.

Graduates of the associate degree program are eligible to take the exam required to become a registered nurse. Graduates of the practical nursing program are eligible to take the exam required to become a licensed practical nurse.

The new building will use the latest technology to supplement the clinical experience students get in local health care facilities, making it possible for the college to increase admission in the ADN program from 80 to 100 students a year.

Classrooms, biology, chemistry and physical science labs and four simulation labs featuring computerized mannequins will be included in the building.

CCC also has practical nursing programs at the Columbus Campus and Kearney Center. A limited number of students are able to complete most requirements for the associate degree in nursing program at the Columbus and Kearney sites.