CURTIS, Neb. – Orange plastic fencing and construction equipment is a common scene this fall on the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture campus. 

Painting, sidewalks, steam line replacement and roofing are among a dozen projects slated this semester and should wrap up by year-end, said Larry Gossen, dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. 

“We are very fortunate to be serving students and our stakeholders this fall semester with many activities at NCTA, and to have opportunity for some of these upgrades to campus utilities and facilities,” Gossen said. 

The largest project is relocation of a steam line now located in an underground tunnel from Ag Hall across streets to nearby buildings, agricultural mechanics labs and classroom on the east and the library-resource center to the north. 

Local contractors are working on some of these projects, with some specialty work being done by Nebraska companies in the region. Project contracts were awarded through bidding processes laid out by the University of Nebraska, of which NCTA is one of five campuses. 

Last week, a Curtis company was found digging trenches to install corrugated plastic pipe between the Ag Mechanics Shop building and the Student Activities Center (The Barn). 

Water runoff from the roof, gutters, and grounds on the north side of the Student Union now will be drained underground to a nearby culvert. 

“This will greatly improve the safety of the walking surfaces, particularly in the winter, and eliminate ice build-up on the north side of The Barn,” said Randi Houghtelling, NCTA facilities operations manager. “A hard-surface sidewalk will be installed to replace a footpath in one segment over the northwest area.” 

Additionally, steam line replacement between East and West Traditional residence halls took place in August. Electrical and air conditioning work also was improved in several buildings. 

Landscaping projects for campus beautification will be launched next year.