After some discussion, the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve a $1.9 million project to build a new tennis complex with eight courts and a full parking lot. The new project supersedes an alternative plan to build six tennis courts with only basic parking.

“Co-Lin is extremely excited about the decision of our Board of Trustees to approve the construction of a new tennis complex,” Co-Lin President Jane Hulon said in a statement. “This upgrade to our tennis facilities allows for increased support of our outstanding men’s and women’s tennis programs.”

Kenny Goza presented the board with several alternative renderings for the project. The amendment to construct a full eight courts was originally suggested by Co-Lin trustee Barry Tyson, who said expanding the project to include all of the courts at once is more financially efficient than doing a few and adding more later.

He also suggested the additional courts would better serve the needs of the district because the popularity of tennis has grown in recent years.

“I spent a month thinking about this,” Tyson said in the meeting. “Looking at the district… most schools in the district play tennis now.”

After Tyson’s proposal, Co-Lin trustee Randall Lofton suggested the board also include full parking. The board ultimately approved that suggestion with one “no” vote.

Co-Lin currently has three tennis courts next to the football field and two lower courts at the bottom of a hill across from the football fieldhouse. The school plans to demolish those courts and build the new complex — with all eight tennis courts in one consolidated location and full parking — on the old soccer field next to the softball field.

Co-Lin grants

Hulon reported to the board on several grants received by the community college.

Co-Lin received a $20,000 grant from Mississippi Urban Forest Council for planting trees and beautifying the campus.

The college received a $5,000 scholarship grant from the Mississippi Community College Board for women enrolling in non-traditional career programs.

Co-Lin received a $3,500 grant from Walmart to purchase new band equipment.

The college also received a $10,000 scholarship grant from Haas Corporation for the college’s precision machining program.

The board voted to suspend its regular January board meeting. The board will meet again Feb. 6 for its regular meeting.