The Seattle Maritime Academy near the Ballard Bridge is expanding.

The Seattle PI is reporting that the portables that are currently used will be replaced by an $18.3 million building. Seattle Central Community College runs the program and about 35 students go through each year, a number which could grow to 50 or 60. Typically students will graduate with multiple job offers in the marine industry and the starting salary ranges from $40,000-$80,000. This major renovation has been planned for six years. Ron Hamberg, SCCC’s vice president for instruction says that this upgrade is a priority because its graduates are in demand and its facilities are in poor condition.