Mobile-area leaders seek $30 million from state fund for new maritime-focused career tech center

Mobile-area education and economic-development leaders on Friday asked state lawmakers to back a new career and technical education center aimed at preparing local students for maritime and advanced manufacturing jobs tied to major regional investments.

At a briefing before a Joint Interim Committees panel, Dr. William White, identified in the session as Mobile County Public Schools' career and workforce development director, described the district's existing programs and the limits of current facilities. "We have approximately 35 career technical education programs," White said, noting the district runs programs across 12 comprehensive high schools and three career-technical centers.

Presenters said the proposed center would sit on district-owned property near Interstate 10, encompass about 100,000 square feet and initially serve 750–1,000 students. The speakers estimated the project's total cost at a little over $67 million and said the district plans to request $30 million from a…