[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 15, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7033-S7034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              ADVANCED TECHNICAL CENTER, MEXICO, MISSOURI

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of the 
Advanced Technical Center in Mexico, Missouri.
  Back in 1997, several community and state leaders approached me 
regarding funding for the Advanced Technical Center, which at that time 
existed only

[[Page S7034]]

on paper and in the minds of these leaders. I immediately had a certain 
affection for this project. First and foremost, this project would be 
located in my hometown of Mexico, Missouri. Second, the local leaders 
came to me with one of the most comprehensive partnerships that I have 
ever had the pleasure to work with. The partners included Linn State 
Technical College, the University of Missouri, Moberly Area Community 
College, the Mexico Area Vocational and Technical School, the City of 
Mexico, and the State of Missouri. Third, the Advanced Technical Center 
would provide students with exceptional educational opportunities 
through highly specialized and advanced technical education and 
training at the certificate and degree levels in both emerging and 
traditional technologies.
  In the fall of 1997, the Senate approved and the President signed the 
appropriation bill providing $1 million in Federal funds for the 
Advanced Technical Center in Mexico, Missouri. The federal support 
recognized that the key to staying competitive in today's global 
marketplace is investing in education and training of our current and 
future workers. The federal funds, in conjunction with the local and 
state funds, made this project a reality.
  This Friday, June 18, 1999, the Advanced Technical Center will 
celebrate its Grand Opening. I am looking forward to being a part of 
the celebration. But, more importantly, I am proud to have been a 
participant in the successful partnership that has led to the creation 
of a model, state-of-the-art technical training and learning facility 
in my hometown of Mexico, MO.

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