Illinois Capital Development Board Announces Over $418,000 in Funding to Kishwaukee College Towards the Remediation of Stormwater Drainage

MALTA- The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced $418,313 has been released towards the remediation of stormwater drainage at the Kishwaukee College from the state, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of over $575,000. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Kishwaukee 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, Kishwaukee College will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work, further cementing its place as an educational leader that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow."

"I am thankful for the investment the State of Illinois is making in the restoration of this facility through the remediation of stormwater drainage," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential to upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state."

"Kishwaukee College is appreciative of the State of Illinois and their investment in capital improvement projects. The stormwater drainage at Kish has been a consistent problem on our rural campus since our last major expansion in 2011.  This project will help us remedy the issue and be good neighbors to our local farmers," said Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College.

"Today's announcement of funding for Kishwaukee College is a welcomed investment for the institution and those using the facilities. Illinois' community college network is a tremendous asset to non-urban areas across the state, and Kishwaukee's contributions to Dekalb County and its workforce are greatly appreciated," said State Senator Dave Syverson (R - Rockford). "I am encouraged by this level of commitment into our higher education system."

"As Minority Spokesperson for the House Appropriations - Higher Education Committee, I hear in depth about meeting the needs of our universities and community colleges. Projects like this are critical to the longevity of facilities that house our students and faculty, and I'm thankful our efforts to address these overdue improvements is at hand," remarked State Representative Jeff Keicher (R - Sycamore).

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.