It'll be one of the best. And it will serve as a regional resource. That's what Kankakee Community College President Dr. John Avendano said about the soon-to-be-built new Advanced Technology Education Center on the KCC campus.

A groundbreaking event (Tuesday) brought several professionals to the riverfront campus.

Avendano said the completed building will meet requirements for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environment Design (LEED) Gold certification.

A 21,000 square foot building will contain classrooms, labs, offices and support spaces for hands-on training. This will include training for jobs in the fields of wind generation, solar thermal, and electrical instruction.

KCC already trains wind and solar technicians and hosts information sessions for the community. It's part of a grant received from the National Science Foundation. The ATEC center will also be home for continuing training for technicians and electricians already in the profession.

94.1 WGFA