Lincoln County commits $4 million match for Gaston College workforce center after 4–1 vote

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on October approved a $4,000,000 county matching commitment to support a proposed Lincoln County Workforce Development Center on the Gaston College campus. The vote was 4–1, with Commissioner Carpenter recorded in the lone dissent.

Manager Madden told the board the funding is needed “upfront” to meet the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application requirements and that the county would be the grantee and fiscal agent for the project while Gaston College would serve as co‑applicant. “This money has to be available as part of the grant application process to be awarded,” Madden said during the presentation (00:17:31).

Dr. Hooser of Gaston College said the EDA opportunity is for roughly $20,000,000 and that the county’s $4,000,000 commitment would be leveraged with additional fundraising and potential state grants to reduce the county’s net cost. “We will continue robust fundraising over the next 24 months ... to transfer that back to Lincoln County to help offset and reduce the county’s initial $4,000,000 commitment,” Dr. Hooser said (00:19:01). He added that, if awarded, the college and county would begin design work immediately and estimated — in a best‑case scenario — a design and construction timeline that could open the center in late 2027 or early 2028, subject to design selection and grant timing (00:20:46).

Gaston College representatives said the center would offer certificates, diplomas, degrees and short‑term workforce training programs and that Lincoln County employees would have access tuition‑free through June 30, 2035. Manager Madden and Dr. Hooser described targeted training in trades such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and advanced manufacturing as central to the center’s mission and economic development strategy for the county (00:21:45).

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the timeline, fundraising, and employee access. Madden and Dr. Hooser responded that immediate design work would follow a successful EDA award, that fundraising efforts would continue after award to reduce the county’s burden, and that the college would work to extend access periods if the project timeline shifted (00:22:50).

Commissioner Cecena moved to approve the county’s $4,000,000 matching commitment; the motion passed 4–1, with Carpenter recorded as the lone nay, according to the board’s roll call at the meeting (00:23:53). No amendment to the motion or conditions were stated on the record.

What the board approved: the county’s commitment of $4,000,000 to meet the EDA match requirement so Gaston College and Lincoln County can pursue the EDA grant and development of the Lincoln County Workforce Development Center. The county will act as grantee and fiscal agent; Gaston College will co‑apply and operate programs.

What remains to be decided: grant award by the EDA; final design and construction timeline; the amount the county ultimately retains after Gaston College’s fundraising and any additional state/federal appropriations; and any interlocal or contractual agreements defining roles, obligations, and reporting. No contract terms, timelines, or specific fund sources beyond the $4,000,000 commitment were included in the motion on the record.

Sources: presentation and Q&A during the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting (Manager Madden, Dr. Hooser, John Dankoff) (00:17:31–00:23:53).