White Salmon - Scott / Edwards Architecture and Bainbridge Design Inc., both of Portland, Ore., have announced the award of an architectural, interiors and space planning contract to design the new West Klickitat County Pioneer Center here.

The two-story, 24,000-sq.-ft. building will be designed and built in two phases. The first phase, a 16,000-sq.-ft. facility, is programmed for a county services information office; senior services; community and environmental health departments; and a community multi-purpose space including kitchen facilities to serve 100 people. As a result of this new project, the senior services staff will now be able to better serve the west county residents.

The estimated $3 million project is targeted to break ground in the spring of 2004 with completion by the end of the year. The construction contract has not yet been awarded.

Previously, in the summer of 2002, the same design team was retained to complete the master plan and feasibility study for this anticipated project. Services included a space study analysis, site evaluations and recommendations, master plan concepts for multiple sites, phased development and project budgeting. After Klickitat County completed a competitive proposal and interview selection process, Scott / Edwards Architecture and Bainbridge Design Inc. were awarded the project.

ECC Tapped to Train Construction Workers

Edmonds - Sound Transit recently awarded Edmonds Community College $28,600 to help train more workers for entry-level jobs in construction, the building trades and apprenticeship programs.

The college's construction industry training program has become increasingly popular due both to high unemployment and to employer need in Snohomish County. It was previously funded only for a limited number of welfare recipients and low-income working parents through WorkFirst, the state's welfare reform program.

The grant will enable the college to enroll an additional 20 students in the program next year by helping to pay the salaries for two instructors and a job developer. Sound Transit awarded several grants totaling about $200,000 this spring to increase training and apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry and to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce for its current and future projects.

Students in Edmonds Community College's program receive practical hands-on experience in the basics of carpentry, blueprint reading, electrical, plumbing, concrete work and hazardous materials safety. Students also receive certification training in forklift, CPR, flagging and power-activated tools.