California Construction News staff writer
Delta College has begun construction on the first project funded by its $598 million Measure K bond program, launching an energy efficiency initiative that will add solar power, modernize campus infrastructure and reduce operating costs.
College officials, community leaders and project partners gathered last week for the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of a series of capital projects funded by the bond measure approved by voters in November 2024.
The Energy Efficiency Project includes installing solar canopies over campus parking lots that are expected to generate 3 megawatts of electricity and save the college about $1 million annually in utility costs. The project also includes repairing and repaving parking lots and upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems across the more than 50-year-old Stockton campus.
Utility savings will be reinvested in academic programs and student services.
“When the voters approved Measure K, they placed an incredible amount of trust in Delta College,” Board of Trustees President Dr. Charles Jennings said. “They trusted us to invest wisely, plan thoughtfully and build facilities that will serve students, employers and our entire region for decades to come.”
Measure K provides funding for campus improvements aimed at modernizing aging facilities, supporting student learning and expanding infrastructure to meet future educational needs.
The Energy Efficiency Project is the first Measure K initiative to move into construction and is intended to reduce long-term operating costs while improving campus sustainability.
“While this project may begin with parking lots, solar canopies and energy infrastructure, it’s really about something much bigger,” said Augustine Chavez, the college’s vice president of administrative services. “It’s about reducing operating costs, improving the student experience, creating a more sustainable campus and making smart investments that will continue paying dividends for years to come.”
The college also recognized contractors, employees and community partners who helped advance the project, including lead contractor SitelogIQ.
Additional Measure K projects planned for the coming years include construction of a permanent building at the college’s South Campus in Mountain House, development of an Emergency Vehicle Operation Course training center, technology and network infrastructure upgrades, and other campus improvements.
College officials said the bond program is intended to strengthen campus facilities while supporting workforce development and the region’s long-term educational needs.
