Construction is beginning on Drake State’s 50,000-square foot Advanced Manufacturing Center on Meridian Street.

The city of Huntsville issued two permits totaling $11 million for the work at 3421 Meridian St. last week.

The work is among 13 projects exceeding $1 million in the Huntsville area in the past week, according to Southern Exposure Information.

The new building will support the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries and will house the most in-demand training programs including engineering design and mechatronics.

“The need is so great,” said Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker in a news release by the school. “We want to show students that there are a lot of ways to make a good living that will allow them to be outstanding members, not only in their families, but in their communities as well.”