The College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus (CCC) hosted a groundbreaking for the science building, marking it the campus’ second permanent structure, according to officials.

The groundbreaking event took place at the site of the new structure, Wednesday afternoon before an audience that gathered to witness this historic moment.

“This is a monumental day,” said Dr. Dianne Van Hook, chancellor. “We have been working over ten years to make this happen.”

The four-story construction project is expected to be completed by fall 2019, which is expected to be primarily devoted to physical and biological sciences, house eight labs and 10 science service rooms, officials said.

“The approximately 55,000 square-foot facility will primarily be devoted to physical and biological sciences, housing eight labs and 10 science service rooms,” a College of the Canyons news release said.

As the second permanent building on the Canyon Country campus the facility is also set to serve as a study hall and have faculty offices, the news release said.

Funding for the construction of the Science Building was made possible by Measure E, which Santa Clarita Valley voters passed in June 2016.

Measure E allocated $230 million to the Santa Clarita Community College District for construction projects.

Related: COC Canyon Country Campus To Break Ground On New Science Building

The new building will be set in the middle of the campus and double the size of the existing campus when complete, and is expected to serve as a landmark for students and first-time visitors, officials said.

“That is a major impact, to the benefit of the students currently on wait-lists (who) cannot be accommodated due to the sheer lack of physical space currently within the District. This project will forevermore change the landscape of the CCC, from both the student and campus identity perspectives.”

“The construction of the science building will allow the college to offer students the in-demand science courses they need to graduate and reach their educational goals,” the news release said.

Currently, due to the lack of science labs and overcrowding classrooms, more than 4,000 students are wait-listed every semester, officials said.

“The science building project will bring in-demand science laboratory and classroom space to the very heart of the campus,” said Dr. Ryan Theule, vice president of the Canyon Country campus and grants development. “Although the Canyon Country campus is already known as a comprehensive center with complete academic pathways and student support services, the addition of the Science Building will provide new possibilities for students to complete academic pathways, especially in science disciplines. This project is a welcome addition to our campus and community and is a

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