Schools

Governor Quinn Announces Construction Funding for University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University


CHAMPAIGN–(ENEWSPF)–December 2, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced funding for three construction projects at the University of Illinois’ (U of I) Urbana-Champaign campus, and Southern Illinois University’s (SIU) Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses. The funding is part of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital plan, which will revive the state’s economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years.

“Putting people to work is my number one priority,” said Governor Quinn. “Thanks to Illinois Jobs Now!, we can fund critical construction projects that will bring jobs to Central and Southern Illinois, strengthen our education system and revitalize our economy.”

Governor Quinn visited three construction sites across Illinois. All three projects will be LEED certified.

  • In Champaign, U of I’s historic Lincoln Hall will be renovated. Renovations on the building, which was constructed in 1911, will include necessary electric, HVAC, plumbing and fire alarm system upgrades. The renovation will also include reconfiguring the classrooms, replacing flooring, ceilings and wall finishes, and asbestos abatement. The building has gone without major improvements since 1930. The project will create approximately 350 construction jobs and will be ready to bid in approximately 30 days.
  • In Murphysboro, SIU Carbondale will construct a new Transportation Education Center. The 279,888 square foot center will include classrooms, library and reference rooms, laboratories, student lounges and a computer center. The project will also build a large passenger plane hangar, fleet storage and an engine testing facility. The project will create approximately 350 construction jobs and will be ready to bid in approximately 60 days.
  • In Edwardsville, SIU will renovate the existing science laboratory and construct a new 107,884 square foot science facility to accommodate growth of science programs at the university. The new facility will house research and instructional laboratory space, classrooms, offices, and common areas. Renovations to the existing 60,000 square foot facility include upgrading the HVAC, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, replacing windows and abating asbestos-containing materials. The project will create approximately 435 construction jobs and the first phase of construction is slated to begin next week.

The announcement was made after Governor Quinn signed a bill into law earlier in the day that allows the State to issue federal stimulus-supported Build America Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds to fund critical capital projects.

 

Source: illinois.gov


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