Illinois Capital Development Board Releases $2 Million in Funding to Kaskaskia Community College for Renovation of the West Parking Lot

CENTRALIA - The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced $2 million has been released for the renovation of the west parking lot at Kaskaskia Community College from the state, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of $2.6 million. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Kaskaskia Community College campus that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. Made possible by Governor Pritzker's bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the renovation work will create good jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding community. CDB will oversee the project's renovation under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.

"It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Kaskaskia Community College will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work on the west parking lot, providing students and staff alike with a safe place to park while on campus."

"I am thankful to the State of Illinois for investing in the replacement of the west parking lot and the construction of a new storm sewer system," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential to upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state."

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state facilities like the new crime lab and veterans' homes, creating, and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the six-year plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.

"When tax dollars, the hard-earned money of Illinoisans, are being spent by the state, I do what I can to make sure they are spent effectively, efficiently, and that there is a return on that investment.  I have a tremendous amount of confidence in the leadership of Kaskaskia College and know that they take their obligations to the taxpayers seriously.  Today's announcement of capital funding for maintenance at Kaskaskia College is needed and well-deserved.  Kaskaskia College is an economic engine for downstate Illinois and has a positive impact on the lives of many students as they develop the skills and knowledge they need to build careers and provide for their families," remarked State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville).

"Investments in our community colleges are an investment in Illinois' future economic success," said State Representative Charles Meier (R-Highland).  "The maintenance of our existing facilities is critically important to promote the longevity and usefulness of our assets, and I appreciate that through Rebuild Illinois we are addressing some of these needs, especially as Kaskaskia College serves as a regional hub for economic and workforce growth."