NAMPA, Idaho — College of Western Idaho President Gordon Jones is defending the opportunity to take over the Ford Idaho Center, pushing back against concerns from Canyon County lawmakers who question how the college can afford millions in deferred maintenance after highlighting budget constraints during the last legislative session.

In a 4-2 vote, the Nampa City Council voted on Oct. 6 to convey the Ford Idaho Center to CWI after nearly six hours of public testimony. The city has owned the facility for over 20 years, but city officials cited an inability to keep up with the facility's costs as a primary reason for the transfer.

For Jones, the timing couldn't be better.

"A little over a year ago, Mayor Cling had the opportunity to reach out to me. We had lunch and broached the topic of T

See Full Page