Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) cut the ribbon on its new building to house its new Boat Manufacturing Center on October 26, 2023. The 5,201 square foot project was designed by Greenville-based JKF Architecture and built by A.R. Chesson Construction. The $2.08 million project offers long-term instructional space to the College’s boat building program, which will prepare BCCC students for employment in the manufacture, repair, and service of boats across the region.

“This beautiful, modern project represents our commitment to the vital boatbuilding industry in Beaufort County and our region,” said Dr. Dave Loope, BCCC President. “By bringing the program physically onto our campus, our boatbuilding students can participate more in student life and access campus resources integral to their success. Careers in boatbuilding can offer our students a way to sustain themselves and their families while continuing to be a part of our community.”

The building contains a paint booth, resin application room, and sizable workshop space. Two large rollup doors allow for maneuvering boats in and out of the facility. Restrooms, storage, and an office space are also included. Funding for the project included $450,000 from Beaufort County, $935,000 of unallocated funding from the Connect N.C. Bond, and $650,000 from the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund.