Jones County Junior College has shelved plans for construction of a new liberal arts center and other campus renovations until the economy improves.

The junior college located in Ellisville had planned up to $17 million in new construction and renovations.

Jones President Jesse Smith says design work has been completed but nothing will be done until interest rates improve.

Smith says the delay gives the school time to refine plans and objectives.

Some of the buildings at the nearly 100-year old campus are over half that old.

In addition to the liberal arts center, JCJC planed renovation to the J.B. Young Technical Center.