McDowell Community College seeks 20-year lease to unlock $950,000 for public-safety training

McDowell Community College President Dr. Kelly told the McDowell County Board of Commissioners that roughly $950,000 in state public-safety training funds is available for improvements to a county-owned training site if the college secures a long-term lease.

Dr. Kelly said the money can be used broadly for public-safety training and described plans to expand the firing range, add classroom space and restrooms, bring water to the site and potentially construct a burn house to support fire training. He said those state funds require a long-term commitment and that the college needs a 20-year lease to use the award.

The request prompted brief discussion about the county27s previous arrangements and the college27s board approval process. An unidentified board member moved to direct the county attorney and the college to negotiate a lease to be returned to the board for formal approval; the motion was seconded and approved without recorded opposition.

Board members noted staff and college-level approvals remain required before a property agreement is finalized; Dr. Kelly said his board must also sign off on any property agreement.

The board did not adopt terms at the meeting; it authorized staff to begin lease negotiations and return a proposed agreement for formal action.