MEXICO – Residents of the 16-town vocational region will have a chance on Tuesday to learn of a proposal that would renovate the school and add more than 17,000-square-feet of new educational space.

The public hearing on the proposed $4.9 million project begins at 6 p.m. at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology at 377 River Road.

A public referendum vote on the project is scheduled in member towns on Jan. 9.

The new space would allow two of the region’s vocational programs, diversified occupations and truck driving, to move into the main school from modular classrooms.

Also, new vocational programs in automotive technology and early childhood development would be offered, along with vocational training in forestry, metal and building trades, certified nursing assistant, and computer networking and other technology.

Some money would be used to bring the building into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance by adding an elevator, replacing the leaking roof, making other necessary repairs, and other work.

About $1.7 million of the total $4.9 million price tag would come from the state, either by grant or no-interest loan. The remainder would be borrowed over 20 years.

The state’s portion of the funding would be lost if defeated at referendum, Director David Driscoll has said. Even if the project is voted down, the region still must spend about $1.5 million to bring the existing building up to life and safety codes.

Region 9 board Chairman Norman Clanton said it is doubtful if a second referendum vote would be held if residents defeat the Jan. 9 referendum. Local money, however, would have to be used to make the necessary safety and code repairs.

A public informational meeting on the project has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, at Ludden Memorial Library in Dixfield.

The school serves about 150 secondary students from three area school districts and three unaffiliated towns.