STOCKTON -- With shovels in the ground and optimism in the air, Delta College officially launched the first Measure K construction project on Tuesday as campus and community leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Energy Efficiency Project.
The project marks the beginning of a series of investments that will modernize campus facilities and strengthen Delta College for generations to come.
The Energy Efficiency Project includes installation of parking lot solar canopies expected to generate 3 megawatts of power and save the College approximately $1 million in utility costs each year, savings that can be invested in the College's core mission of educating and uplifting students and their families.
The energy project also includes repairing and repaving parking lots and upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems across the more than 50-year-old Stockton campus.
This is only the beginning of the $598 million Measure K bond, approved by voters in November 2024. The bond provides funding for critical campus improvements that support student learning, modernizes aging infrastructure, and ensures Delta College continues to meet the needs of its students and the community.
"When the voters approved Measure K, they placed an incredible amount of trust in Delta College," said Board of Trustees President Dr. Charles Jennings. "They trusted us to invest wisely, plan thoughtfully, and build facilities that will serve students, employers, and our entire region for decades to come. Today is tangible proof that we're honoring that commitment."
As the first Measure K project to move from planning to construction, the Energy Efficiency Project will reduce long-term utility costs and free up additional resources to support the College's educational mission and the programs and services that help students succeed.
Tuesday's ceremony celebrated not only the start of construction, but also the many people who made the project possible. College leaders recognized the voters who approved Measure K, along with the contractors, employees, and community partners who worked together to bring the project to life. They also thanked lead contractor SitelogIQ for its partnership throughout the planning and construction process.
"While this project may begin with parking lots, solar canopies, and energy infrastructure, it's really about something much bigger," said Delta College Vice President of Administrative Services Augustine Chavez. "It's about reducing operating costs, improving the student experience, creating a more sustainable campus, and making smart investments that will continue paying dividends for years to come."
The Energy Efficiency Project is just one of several major Measure K initiatives now moving forward. Future projects include a long-promised permanent building at the South Campus at Mountain House, a specialized Emergency Vehicle Operation Course training center, significant technology and network infrastructure improvements, and other investments to ensure Delta College continues to meet the evolving needs of students and the community.
