The Blairsville campus of North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for a new Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Range.
The facility was made possible by $4.7 million from the state budget which will provide funds for construction and new equipment for the academic program.
The driving range will consist of a 77,440 square feet concrete training pad with an additional 4,620 square feet parking area, drive in, and two full carousels that will be utilized by the CDL and Electrical Lineworker programs.
Construction is scheduled to start this November with anticipated enrollment beginning fall semester 2026.
“This groundbreaking isn’t just about a new CDL range — it’s about meeting real workforce needs in our region,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “The demand for skilled commercial drivers is higher than ever, and this new CDL training center will help us train and prepare more qualified professionals to enter the field. It’s a big step forward for our students, our local economy, and the industries that rely on safe, well-trained drivers.”
Members of the state legislature joined NGTC board of directors, NGTC Foundation board members and Leadership Team members and staff for the ceremony.
(Pictured after the ceremony: left Union County Sole Commissioner Harold Collins, State Rep. Johnny Chastain, (with back to camera) Foundation Board member Tim Ash, State Rep. Stan Gunter, NGTC President John Wilkinson, State Sen. Steve Gooch, Foundation Board member Erik Brinke, Union County Couny Manager Tony Hughes)