Illinois Capital Development Board Releases Over $421,000 in Funding to Kankakee Community College Towards the Renovation of North Patio

KANKAKEE - The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced $421,970 has been released from the state towards the renovation of north patio at Kankakee Community College, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of over $562,626. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Kankakee 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, Kankakee Community 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 removal and replacement of the multi-level north patio, including stairs, railings, ramps, and platforms for ADA compliance," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential to upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state."

"This project is an important step in Kankakee Community College's efforts to create the most inclusive teaching and learning spaces.  Renovations to the north patio will enhance accessibility to our living labs spaces on the south banks of the Kankakee River where students will learn about sustainability and the importance of protecting natural habitats," said Kankakee Community College President Michael Boyd.

"The community colleges of non-urban Illinois are essential to the economy and workforce of their communities, and it's important that we recognize their needs to continually improve. Today's announcement will serve the student body at Kankakee well, as the North Patio is one of the prominent gathering areas for organized events," said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D - Essex). "I appreciate the Rebuild Illinois capital program is investing into our higher education system to this extent."

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.