CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–September 14, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today visited the University of Illinois at Chicago to announce $2.5 million in capital funding that will allow the university to begin planning major campus upgrades. The project will receive a total of $20.8 million through the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program and is expected to generate around 140 construction jobs once it is underway.
“It is important that when students from all over the world choose to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago, they are learning in an environment that matches the superior educations the university offers,” said Governor Quinn. “This project will allow one of Illinois’ historic universities to upgrade its aging infrastructure, furthering its commitment to academic excellence.”
The $2.5 million in funding announced today will allow UIC to start the planning phase for the project, which involves a range of campus improvements that includes replacing windows, elevators, lighting and fire alarm systems.
As part of the project, the College of Dentistry will receive an emergency generator, as well as new fire alarm and sprinkler systems. The project also includes installing new windows and the abatement of asbestos-containing materials at the College of Medicine buildings.
“This project will put Illinois residents to work during construction and prepare students for high-paying careers once the construction work is complete. This is a win-win situation for Illinois,” said Jim Riemer, Executive Director of the Capital Development Board, which manages all non-road, state-funded construction projects.
The construction work will be coordinated by the Capital Development Board (CDB), which administers all state-funded, non-road construction projects. The project will receive a total of $20.8 million in capital funding and is expected to create approximately 140 construction jobs. Construction is expected to begin next year.
Source: illinois.gov
