RATHDRUM - Dirt was flying on the Rathdrum Prairie on Wednesday afternoon.

No, don't blame the farmers for this one.

Three different-sized loaders were used to move dirt as part of the groundbreaking ceremony for North Idaho College's $15 million, 110,000-square-foot Career and Technical Education Facility on Lancaster Road.

The facility, which will house eight professional-technical programs that are currently in tight quarters in Coeur d'Alene, is expected to be completed next spring and open for classes in fall 2016.

"It's been a long time coming, but we are extremely excited to move dirt, expand programs and serve business and industry in North Idaho," NIC President Joe Dunlap told the crowd of about 250.

NIC's board decided in June to build the facility on 40 acres owned by NIC on the west side of the Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC), which offers professional-technical programs to high school juniors and seniors. A portion of the site was donated to the college by the Meyer family from Rathdrum.

Dunlap said NIC has built a strong relationship with KTEC to align the curricula of the two facilities to avoid duplication.

The cost of the facility will not raise taxes. NIC intends to use $11.5 million of its Capital Reserve Fund, $2.5 million in operating reserves and $1 million in tax anticipation notes to pay for the facility.

Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes said the facility will be a nice addition to the community.

"It raises pride in the city and it gives our kids opportunities," he said.

Jobs Plus President Gynii Gilliam said business will benefit from the education boost.

"This will prepare our workforce and move our communities forward to future frontiers," she said.

Programs to be located at the facility include automotive technology, collision repair, computer-aided design technology (architectural and mechanical), diesel technology, industrial mechanic/millwright, machining and welding technology.