Fletcher receives disaster expansion funds

Imogene Bierschwal Felden Hitt
August 22, 2011
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August 24, 2011
Imogene Bierschwal Felden Hitt
August 22, 2011
HUB expands Gulf South operations
August 24, 2011

The Louisiana Office of Community Development-Disaster Recovery Unit, through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Facilities Corp, has awarded more than $2.7 million to Houma-based Fletcher Technical Community College.


The funds were secured from a $30 million economic revitalization program, through a Community Development Block Grant, that is associated with damages resulting from Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

“The damages from hurricanes Gustav and Ike have left the area served by Fletcher College in greater need of a skilled workforce in order to continue their recovery,” OCD-DRU Interim Executive Director Pat Forbes said. “South central Louisiana will need that skilled workers that Fletcher educates to rebuild their community, both physically and economically.”


“The Houma-Thibodaux area continues to be recognized as having the lowest unemployment in the state and the country,” Fletcher Chancellor Travis Lavigne said. “Thanks to the dedication and undying efforts of our entire legislative delegation, especially House Rep. Gordon Dove and Gov. Bobby Jindal, this award will allow Fletcher Technical Community College to continue to provide for the workforce needs of our growing student population and economy in this area.”

Lavigne said that Fletcher will use the $2.7 million award to help in the acquiring of 38.6 acres of land where it is building a new academic and administrative building on La. Highway 311.

Following the storms of 2008, Fletcher saw its college roster expand to the point that enrollment by 2010 exceeded capacity of existing facilities.

Continued construction on a new campus complex for Fletcher Technical Community College on La. Highway 311 at Weatherford Road is the latest image of activity signifying the institution’s growth and influence as it marks a 60th year of educational influence. MIKE NIXON