ACTC to open new Transportation Education Center Jan. 12

January 7, 2026

ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) will open its new Transportation Education Center when students return to campus on January 12, delivering a modern, fully operational facility designed to support high-demand transportation programs. 

The center is located on ACTC’s Technology Drive Campus in EastPark.

The $13 million Transportation Education Center is in its final stages of preparation. Several shipments of lifts and tools for the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs have arrived, with lift installation currently underway. Furniture installation has begun and will continue through the week prior to the start of the spring semester.

All instructional spaces for Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, and CDL programs will be fully ready for the first day of classes.

“This facility reflects our commitment to giving students access to modern, industry-aligned training environments from day one,” said Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO. “The Transportation Education Center ensures our students are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and real-world experience.”

The building was designed with safety, efficiency, and innovation at the forefront. 

High-bay garage doors are equipped with carbon monoxide sensors that automatically open if unsafe levels are detected.

Each classroom and office includes occupancy sensors to support energy efficiency, and LED lighting is used throughout the facility.

Students will benefit from fully furnished classrooms and labs, new lockers, and a thoughtful mix of new and existing equipment, an approach that balances modernization with fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Nearly every entrance of the Transportation Education Center is handicap accessible, and the facility features 250 parking spaces

There is dedicated storage for CDL, automotive, and diesel programs, an EV battery storage shed located just outside the main building, and a dedicated machine room and engine room.

While instruction and lab spaces will be fully operational at the start of the spring semester, a small number of common areas near the front of the building may receive additional seating shortly after classes begin.

“This project has been years in the making, and seeing it come together has been incredibly rewarding,” said Paul Seasor, Director of Administrative Services, who has overseen the project from planning through construction. “Every detail, from safety systems and accessibility to equipment and energy efficiency, was designed with students, instructors, and long-term sustainability in mind. This building represents a commitment to doing things the right way, and it’s exciting to see it ready to serve our campus and community.”

Construction on the project began in October 2024 and represents a $13 million investment funded by the state and ACTC.

ACTC will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Transportation Education Center on Wednesday, January 14, at 10 a.m. Members of the community are welcome to attend.

For more information about ACTC’s transportation programs or to apply, visit ashland.kctcs.edu.