MATC moves toward a $150 million expansion and a referendum is likely

(read the full WSJ story by clicking on the title above)

Can we afford giving MATC over a quarter of a billion dollars for expansion?  The "initial" request for phase 1 is for $150 million but the full cost is over $300 million.  We must ask are the new facilities really needed at such a cost and to such a lavish extent?
- What happens to the expansion facilities when the economy improves and people go back to work and enrollment declines again? 
- What will be the cost to maintain the new buildings in future? 
- Do we currently have underutilized buildings (public or private) that could be improved/remodeled to suit the needs of expanding enrollment - especially at decentralized locations (essentially, recycling buildings that can then be recycled again if not needed)? 
- Am I the only one who sees the size and expense of this project over the top and grandiose?
- Are the proper checks and balances for this being carried out?
- Why do other tech colleges in the state accept growth and use existing buildings to fill their needs?