LEWISTON – The groundbreaking for a new wing at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn Campus was held Sept. 22. Site preparation is under way for the new wing of approximately 14,000 square feet that will connect to the current facility.

Harriman Associates of Auburn completed the architectural design, and Ganneston Construction Corp. of Augusta is undertaking construction. Anticipated completion date is April 2007, and the approximate cost is $2.5 million.

The new building will include space for a new campus learning center and university outreach center. It will also house “The Learning Works,” which will serve as the research and operational hub for the College for ME-Androscoggin Initiative.

College for ME-Androscoggin is collaboration among leaders from higher education, kindergarten through adult education, business and economic development, who are committed to identifying and addressing barriers that prevent area residents from pursuing or achieving their higher education goals.