Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) will officially break ground Wednesday, October 1 for the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Health Sciences building. This new facility will be erected across from CGTC’s main campus at 80 Cohen Walker Drive on land donated by Houston Healthcare Systems, Inc. for the purpose of expanding health education offerings in middle Georgia. The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 11 am and will include guest speakers’ recollection of Mr. Watson’s significant contributions to the state of Georgia.

Watson, who was born and raised in Houston County, has had a tremendous impact on the local community, as well as the state of Georgia. In the mid-90s, during Watson’s 22-year tenure in the Georgia House of Representatives, he was responsible for helping secure funding for the former Middle Georgia Technical College, now Central Georgia Technical College, Warner Robins campus. Additionally, as the chairman of the Board for Houston Healthcare Systems, Inc., he, along with other board members, recognized the need to for increased healthcare training programs to provide world-class medical service in the local medical community. Therefore, the Board voted to donate seven acres of land for the purpose of erecting the Health Sciences facility, allowing CGTC to greatly expand health program offerings in central Georgia.

In addition to Houston Healthcare, Houston County and the City of Warner Robins have partnered with CGTC to help this project come to fruition. Both entities have assisted with infrastructure needs and have provided other assistance as needed throughout the process.

Funding for the three-story, 77,809 square feet facility was approved in the 2013 Georgia Legislative session. The total project cost is close to $21 million, including land value, design costs, construction, and fixtures, furniture and equipment. Of that total, 65 percent of the cost of work has been awarded to local businesses.Parrish Construction of Perry is the construction manager for the project and Azar + Walsh of Macon served as the design professional for the building.

Guest speakers for the groundbreaking event will include Cary Martin, CEO of Houston Healthcare;Chairman Tommy Stalnaker, Houston County Board of Commissioners; Mayor Randy Toms, City of Warner Robins; Shaw Blackmon, vice chair of the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia; Larry O’Neal, majority leader for the Georgia House of Representatives; and Larry Walker, Board of Regents member, University System of Georgia.

Following a special presentation by Dr. Ivan Allen, president of Central Georgia Technical College, Mr. Watson will give comments prior to the ceremonial groundbreaking. Along with Mr. Watson, family and close friends of Mr. Watson will be guests of honor at the event.