Governor Quinn Announces $1.7 Million for Higher Education Construction Projects in Will County

UNIVERSITY PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today announced investments of $1.7 million for construction projects at Governors State University and Joliet Junior College. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's commitment to creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"These Governors State and JJC projects will help keep the campuses in shape to continue offering students training for in-demand careers," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which helps move local economies forward."

Both projects will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Campus roadways and sidewalks will be improved at Governors State University for $1,611,600 by Chicago Heights Construction Company, the lowest of three bidders. The work will include construction of a south entrance, creating a western campus railroad overpass, repairing Alumni Path, and installing traffic signals and lights at University Drive and Stuenkel Road.

Nine roof top heating, ventilation and air conditioning units will be replaced at the Joliet Junior College City Center. Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Alsip was the lowest of six bidders for the work with a quote of $188,000.

"Investing in the construction of these two area institutions is integral to the continued excellence of both campus communities and also serves as a boon to our local economy," State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) said. "But, just as crucial is the fact that with this infrastructure development also comes the assurance of safer roads and walkways for the students and faculty of both campuses."

"These infrastructure improvements will help Joliet Junior College remain safe and competitive for area students," State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr. (D-Elwood) said. "Projects like this also help spur local job creation and improve our region's quality of life."

"This project will help ensure the university's facilities are viable for the next generation," State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) said. "By staying up to date with maintenance and modernization projects, it allows university leaders to focus more on the education of local students and not being forced to redirect needed resources to cope with ailing maintenance and construction issues."

The projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.