NORWICH -- Three Rivers Community College President Grace Jones had hoped final approval of the funding for the relocation and consolidation of the school would have come last month.

But next week works just as well, she said Wednesday.

"What that means is, that come January, we can put the shovels in the ground," Jones said. "This is what we've been waiting for."

Three Rivers has operated from two campus sites since the 1992 merger of the Mohegan Community College on Mahan Drive and Thames Valley Regional Technical College on New London Turnpike. In 2003, the General Assembly approved $75 million for renovation and consolidation of the school, but differing opinions on where the facility should be delayed the project -- and increased its projected cost.

The new college will be at the Thames Valley campus on New London Turnpike at a total cost now estimated at $85.6 million. Nine and a half million dollars of that previously was awarded for design and development work. The remaining $76.1 million, to be approved next week, is for construction and renovation.

"As one of our outstanding community colleges, Three Rivers deserves the best possible facilities for its students, faculty, staff and administration," Rell said.

Move Norwich Tech

As part of the project, the Norwich Regional Technical High School will be relocated to the college's Mohegan campus on Mahan Drive, a separate $61 million project paid with school construction funds.

Renovations of the Mohegan campus for use by the high school already are under way, creating some frustration among Mohegan campus college students who said Wednesday they'll be happy to see it end.

"It's just horrible," said Amber Cote of Norwich, a business administration major. "But I think when it's done, it's going to be good for everyone. My brother goes to the high school, so this is going to be good for them as well."

Jennifer Stino of Groton, an early childhood education major, said one of the more frustrating aspects has been the lack of room at the school for classes and the loss of parking at the Mohegan campus because of renovations.

"I just hope they get it done sooner rather than later," she said Wednesday.

"I think everyone has been extraordinary in accommodating the situation," Jones said. "There is no doubt that we're all inconvenienced by the work. But when you look at that ray of hope, and where this is going to take us, it's worth it."

More than 101,000 square feet of existing space at the Thames Valley campus will be renovated, with an additional 195,000 of new construction planned. When completed, the consolidated school will include a learning resources center, classrooms, laboratories, offices, bookstore and child care center.

Jesselyn Geromino, a nursing student, said the consolidation will make it easier for students because they won't have to travel between campuses for classes.

The relocation of the two schools is scheduled to be completed in August 2008. Landscaping and other final detail work to be completed later.

Residents living near the Thames Valley campus said Wednesday they look forward to the project, and are not concerned about any impact the construction might have on the neighborhood.

"It's a good move and will provide more opportunities for people going to the school," said Rously Joinville, who lives on Manwaring Road across the street from the campus.

Reach Ray Hackett at 425-4225 or rhackett@norwichbulletin.com