New auto technology training center planned for Baton Rouge

Gov. Bobby Jindal is backing nearly $14 million in state construction spending to build a new automobile technology training center at Baton Rouge Community College.

The center will educate students seeking careers in the auto industry, part of a local community effort to bolster skills training in the area.

The governor announced Wednesday that he'll ask the Bond Commission to back the funding through the state's construction budget, the final step to fund the project.

Construction on the training center is expected to begin in 2014.

Jindal says the project is a partnership with the Louisiana Auto Dealers Association and The All Star Automotive Group to help fill jobs in the area. A recent study showed there are more than 2,700 open auto mechanic and technician jobs available in Louisiana.