When trying to describe how he felt about Thursday's groundbreaking of the Williston State College Career and Technical Education building, Workforce Dean David Richter had only one word -- wow.

"I really just am unable to come up with the words to be able to describe it. This is something that has been talked about for years," said Richter.

A groundbreaking ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the building site east of the Art Wood Building and the Crighton Building parking lot. Speakers at the ceremony are to include WSC President Dr. Raymond Nadolny, Williston Mayor Ward Koeser, Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple and state Rep. Bob Skarphol, R-Tioga.

Richter said after the groundbreaking there is to be refreshments and those in attendance may view building plans on display. The $6 million project was approved during the last legislative session. About $ 5 million in funding comes from the Permanent Oil Tax Trust Fund and $1 million is to come locally.

Richter said the 60,000 square-foot center is to hold 80-90 students at any one time, instructing hundreds per day. He said there is to be a variety of new programs housed in the new facility, providing training so workers have skills that are in high demand in the region. "It's going to expand and enhance the technology offerings of the entire region. We'll be able to tailor them to the needs and goals of the communities," said Richter.

Richter said several trade technology programs are to be in the new building such as welding and diesel technology. The facilities are available to area high schools as well.

Richter said there are to be six to eight instructors at the facility, with "three or four of them will be for new programs."

The architect for the project is EAPC Architects Engineers, P.C. of Fargo, which was awarded the contract for the project in August.

Despite colder weather already settling in, some construction is to begin before winter. Richter said foundation work and hopefully the steel beams for the frame of the building are to be installed before the end of November.

Richter said construction should be completed by the end of summer 2010 and the first students should be taking classes for the fall 2010 semester.

He is pretty confident construction should be done on time, as getting some work done before winter makes a difference.

"I'd say we're running about two or three weeks behind," said Richter.

He said if the foundation gets done and some of the steel beams are installed the project should be in good shape. Richter said this is because the start of spring construction depends on when the weather improves and having more done before winter helps keep things on schedule.

Richter is extremely excited to see work finally beginning on the project.

"It's going to be fun to watch it go up. It's going to be neat to watch it happen," he said.