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March 6, 2026
Story and Photo by Joe Vinduska

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran visited 911���� on March 5 to announce congressionally directed federal funding of $425,000, which will support the purchase of equipment for the college’s Agriculture and Transportation Complex’s technical education programs.

Moran said a focus on maintaining an eager and educated workforce is paramount to economic stability in Kansas.

“There's a bright future for Kansas,” he said. “The issue we face is, do we have enough people who want to work, will work, and are trained to work?�� Every time we have the opportunity to help a community college or technical college have the resources necessary to train workers for businesses that are already looking for students with those capabilities, we’re looking for that opportunity to try and designate those funds. Thank you all for caring about this. I'm honored to be with you and happy to try to make certain that good things happen.”

Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki thanked Moran and his staff for their efforts in securing the funding, which he said plays an important role in helping the college continue its mission of workforce training.

“Technical education is a critical part of 911����’s mission, allowing us to provide essential employees to the immediate area,” he said.

Garstecki said the federal support will help 911���� purchase key equipment needed for the facility to further ensure students receive the training required for today’s workforce.

“This federal funding was instrumental in allowing 911���� to purchase critical equipment for this facility and helps us continue to provide much-needed technical training to our students,” he said. “The nationwide demand makes it very difficult to obtain these types of funds, and without the help of the senator, this would not have been possible.”

Barton Board of Trustees President Mike Johnson also noted Moran’s long-standing connection to the region and support for the college.

“The Kansas Community College system currently provides about 70 percent of all technical education across the state,” he said. “I have had the pleasure of knowing the senator since the late 1980s. Over the years, he has been a strong supporter of 911����. In a political world where many politicians go to Washington, D.C., and forget their roots, Senator Moran has remained grounded in central Kansas and understands the needs of his constituents and the important things that make Kansas work.”

The Ag and Transportation Complex opened in July 2024 and houses 911����’s CDL, Top Tech, and agriculture-related programs in one location, allowing students to train using equipment that reflects real-world industry environments.

Following the announcement, visitors toured the facility’s shops and classrooms. For more information, visit .

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