City Council members in Levelland are pushing forward with a significant infrastructure project aimed at establishing a truck driving school at the Rail Park, with a proposed budget of $250,000 from the city. This initiative, which has been in the works for over five years, is part of a larger $1.6 million project that seeks to enhance vocational training opportunities in the community.

The project is a collaboration with South Plains College (SPC), which has expressed a strong desire to set up the school. City officials are currently in discussions with SPC's Board of Regents to determine their financial commitment to the project. The city is also donating land valued at $127,000 to facilitate the development.

City representatives are eager to finalize the funding details, as the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has already committed to a matching grant for the project. However, the city is still awaiting clarity on how much SPC can contribute. The urgency of the project is underscored by the community's concerns about SPC potentially relocating, which could jeopardize local educational resources.

Council members emphasized the importance of this project not only for vocational training but also for retaining SPC's presence in Levelland. The goal is to have a new cohort of truck driving students every six weeks, which could lead to job opportunities within the community.

As discussions continue, city leaders remain optimistic about moving forward and are committed to ensuring that this project becomes a reality within the next couple of years. The successful establishment of the truck driving school is seen as a vital step in bolstering local education and economic development.