CDB budget calls for decreases in operations and capital projects

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today presented a $2.83 billion budget for the Capital Development Board (CDB) that represents a decrease in capital projects and agency operation costs.

The governor's spending plan recommends a $2.81 billion for capital projects in fiscal year 2004 in both new projects and reappropriations and a $13.7 million operation budget that is down $665,300 in program and administrative costs from the current fiscal year.

The budget sets aside $695 million for capital projects, including $500 million for the School Construction Program - the same amount as the current fiscal year—to complete the state's commitment to the five-year program.

The new capital program for state facilities and institutions of higher education through the Build Illinois Bond Fund and the Capital Development Fund is budgeted at $195.2 million in FY04. The program focuses on the governor's core priorities and reflects an emphasis on maintaining the state's existing properties, rather than construction of new facilities.

In higher education, there is $107 million appropriated, including $30 million for capital repair and maintenance at public university and community college campuses, Life-safety projects at Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University and Illinois State University are included, as is $50 million for replacement of obsolete facilities across the state through the Illinois Community College Board.

Also on the FY04 list are about $60 million in maintenance and repair projects for the Department of Correction and Department of Human Services.