Illinois Capital Development Board Announces Over $7.1 Million in Funding to Illinois State University for the Upgrades to HVAC and Building Envelope

NORMAL - The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced nearly over $7.1 million has been released from the state for upgrades to the HVAC and building envelope at Illinois State University. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Illinois State University 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, Illinois State University will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work, further cementing its place as a world-class institution 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 repairing and upgrading of the HVAC systems," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential for upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state, and it's a privilege to have an investment of this magnitude."

"The replacement of fume hoods and HVAC systems in our campus science laboratories is a vital step in maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our students, faculty, and staff," said Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. "We greatly appreciate this project being part of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. The experience gained in our campus laboratory facilities helps Illinois State students develop critical STEM based knowledge and skills needed in their field of studies as well as future career opportunities."

"This is why we worked to pass a statewide capital plan, to get funding back into our communities for much-needed improvements to infrastructure, along with the jobs that the projects provide," said State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington).

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed in 2019 with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state aging facilities over the next five years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.