The State of Tennessee approved plans for a new 6,000 square foot Horticulture building to be built on the grounds of Chattanooga State Community College adjacent to Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) building. Groundbreaking will take place on Wednesday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m.

A new greenhouse will occupy 3,000 square feet, while the remaining space will include classrooms, a computer laboratory, equipment storage, and maintenance. The building will be home to TCAT's Landscape and Turf Management program, a one-year diploma program, where students receive technical instruction and develop skills to prepare them for employment in the landscape and turf industry. Program topics include landscape construction, installation, and maintenance; irrigation design, installation, troubleshooting, and repair; turf grass management for sports fields, golf courses, and residences; planting design and plant identification; Arboriculture and pruning; greenhouse operation and management.

Chattanooga is located in a robust area to utilize the skills and training received through this program. Students will appreciate access to the newest technology for this growing field, a high-tech greenhouse, and they will be well-trained for future employment. Landscape and Turf Management Associate Instructor Joseph Hutchings is enthusiastic about the new building and what it will mean for students in his program.

Included among the expected officials are Sen. Todd Gardenhire, Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State President; Tom White, Regent and Foundation Board member; Duffy Frank and Rowena Lee Belcher, Foundation Board members; Michelle Harstine, representing Congressman Chuck Fleischmann; Glen Craig and Kaitlin Pilgrim, Craig Design group; Tom Stebbins, UT/TSU Extension Agent, Hamilton County; Traci Williams, Interim Executive Director, IERP; Sherrie Shackleford and Julie Cook Davis, Chattanooga State alumnus.

For more information, contact Dr. Jim Barrott, Executive Vice President, Technical College at 423-697-3211.