As Shasta College asks voters to approve a renewal on their facilities bond, they’ve released an economic impact report. In the last fiscal year, the college generated around $249 Million in economic output, supported 1,734 local jobs and contributed $160 Million in added value to the regional economy. Last year the college welcomed more than 2,200 students from outside the area who contributed more than $66 Million to the economy. Shasta College awards around 1,600 degrees each year, and enrollment has grown more than 24% over the last four years. Graduates who earn an Associates Degree can expect to earn nearly $19,000 more per year than with just a high school diploma. Measure H would provide $129 Million to Shasta College to expand and remodel facilities through capital projects and upgrades. Property taxes in the district will not increase. The old 2002 Measure “A” bond is expiring and the new measure will simply extend the terms. The cost is $7.76 annually per $100,000 of assessed value. The money will remain local and cannot be taken by the state.
-Steve Gibson