The Demopolis Industrial Development Board and Shelton State Community College entered into an agreement Wednesday that will move a local trucking school to a new location.
With changes in federal regulations, SSCC’s trucking school currently located in the New Era Building in Demopolis no longer meets requirements regarding the size of the driving range. After looking at several possible sites to relocate the driving school, DIDB Chairman Dianne Brooker approached officials at the college about a site within the city’s South Industrial Park.
“The entire board was very favorable and supportive of deeding the property to Shelton State. Having trained truck drivers is the top need for many employers in our area, and across the nation, and we want to ensure this training continues to be provided here in Demopolis,” Brooker said.
Following discussions between the SSCC and the DIDB, Brooker and SSCC President Dr. Andrea Mansfield officially signed a letter of intent that allows the project to move forward.
During a council meeting held Thursday, the city council approved a measure that commits to extending a road in the park about 600 feet to the entrance of the driving school at a cost of about $35,000.
Officials said that SSCC, the DIDB and the Demopolis City Council will continue moving forward to complete the truck driving school facility in the South Industrial Park.