LINN — State Technical College of Missouri dedicated its Capital Building on Thursday, Sept. 24, recognizing a partnership with the Capital family of companies that supports the college’s heavy equipment operations program. It is the first State Tech building named for a corporate partner, college President Dr. Shawn Strong said.

The 40,000-square-foot, open-air building shelters the college’s heavy equipment fleet while students are away for summer internships. During the academic year, it gives students a place to continue operating equipment when prolonged rain would otherwise interrupt their training, Dr. Strong said. The building opened last year and is one of four constructed on campus over the past two years.

Dr. Strong noted that the college’s partnership with Capital has included the company supplying concrete and aggregate for campus projects and hiring State Tech students. Capital was among the five employers that hired the most State Tech students last year, he said.

Kevin Peart, speaking on behalf of Capital and the Farmer family, said the company has hired more than 50 graduates of the heavy equipment operations program in the past five years and has brought in many more State Tech students as interns.

“For us, it’s not about the name that’s on the building,” Peart said. “This is a partnership that we’re lucky enough to have our name on.”

Dr. Strong said a $15 million state appropriation to expand the heavy equipment operations and management program, along with favorable equipment bids, left funds available to help pay for a new road and the building. He credited the Missouri General Assembly, former Gov. Mike Parson, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), AGC Missouri, and Sen. Lincoln Hough for their roles in the expansion.

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said the agency expects to spend more than $3 billion on Interstate 70 and about $9 billion on construction statewide over the next four years. Contractors repeatedly identify workforce shortages as a challenge, he said.

“So, I think this is right on time,” Hassinger said. “It’s exciting to see it, and I’m so glad to be here to celebrate with you all.”

After the speeches, students drove heavy equipment through a banner at the building’s entrance in place of a traditional ribbon cutting. An indoor reception followed.