Walla Walla Public Schools agreed Tuesday to hire Leone and Keeble, Inc. of Spokane to build the proposed Southeast Area Technical Skills Center for almost $8.3 million.

The state allocated $10.3 million to fund construction and equipment for the center, and has final approval on the bid.

The center at Walla Walla Community College will offer regional high school students classes in construction trades, welding, renewable resources and health occupation programs. It will be a branch campus of the Kennewick School District's Tri-Tech Skills Center.

The project should be completed during summer 2014 with classes starting in September 2014.

Earlier this fall, the district rejected all bids for the project because of a funding shortfall of $1.2 million.

Partnering districts include Dayton, Waitsburg, Touchet, Prescott and College Place.