Governor Releases Funds for Community College Projects

SPRINGFIELD ­­ Governor George H. Ryan today announced the release of $1.7 million in state funds for various improvements at Kaskaskia Community College, Kiswaukee College and South Suburban College.

"This money will help these community college to expand their instructional offerings and better serve their communities, " Ryan said.

At Kaskaskia College, in Centralia, $772,000 will fund the renovation of the Learning Resource Center. The bulk of the money will be spent on a 2,000 square­foot addition that will host seminars and workshops.

A new 420­vehicle parking lot will be constructed at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois. In addition, site improvements such as walkways, drives and exterior lighting will also be installed. The project is being designed by Richard L. Johnson Associates, of Rockford. The $506,000 released by the Governor will be combined through an inter­governmental agreement, with a $16.8 million locally funded building addition project which is currently underway.

At South Suburban College in South Holland, state funds will be used to improve flood retention. The scope of work will provide for cleaning, dredging and lining the creek on the north campus and upgrading the run­off distribution system and retention/detention capabilities of surface water. The state will provide $437,000 for the project.

Funding is provided through the Capital Development Board (CDB). As the state's construction management agency, CDB will work with the colleges to contract for the work and oversee the project.