Blagojevich authorizes over $25 million in school, parks and military capital projects

SPRINGFIELD, IL ‑ Building on efforts to compliment education and infrastructure initiatives, Governor Rod Blagojevich approved today the release of over $25 million in FY02 and FY03 capital projects throughout Illinois. Work will begin on the 21 schools, parks, and military's capital projects immediately.

 

"We released funds for these projects after review of the appropriateness of each project," said Gov. Blagojevich. "Not only did these projects meet the criteria - healthcare, education or economic development, but these projects also are critical remodeling and infrastructure improvements that would have incurred more costs if delayed," said Gov. Blagojevich.

 

"The Governor is dedicated to rehabilitating deteriorating schools, upgrading state facilities and restoring and enhancing our state parks," said Anthony D. Rossi, Executive Director of the Capital Development Board. "These projects will improve facilities that will draw families to our state openspaces and historical sites and renovate schools to make for a better learning environment for students."

 

The Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville will receive over $6.7 million in renovation and rehabilitation money. This money will help renovate the high school, the health center and Burns Gym. The scope of work also provides for the installation of visual alert systems. These fire alarm systems will be installed in all of the school's 13 buildings. In addition, four armories throughout Illinois will receive over $6 million for asbestos abatement, roof replacements, electrical upgrades and interior and exterior upgrading.

 

Over $7.7 million will help renovate and rehabilitate several of Illinois state parks as well. The recreational facilities at Sam Parr State Park in Newton will benefit with various site improvements including construction of boat docks, restrooms and playground equipment. Various facilities within the lodge complex at Pere Marquette State Park need renovated. The scope of work provides for HVAC upgrades, roof replacement, resurfacing roads, parking lots and tennis courts.

 

These projects are overseen by the Capital Development Board (CDB), which manages all state construction projects. The Governor's Office, CDB and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget reviewed all projects and gave authorization to proceed based on priority.

 

Following is the list of the FY02 & FY03 Capital Improvement Projects:

Sam Parr State Park, Newton                        Renovate Recreational Facilities                      $2,395,000

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton               Lodge Renovation                                               $1,775,000

Siloam Springs State Park, Clayton              Rehabilitate Office and Service Area                $1,200,000

Red Hills State Park, Sumner                         Various Improvements                                       $850,000

Beaver Dam State Park, Plainview                 Plan & Begin Sewage System Replacement  $730,000

Spring Lake Conservation Area, Manito        Levee & Shoreline Stabilization                          $500,000

Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston                   Replace Spillway - Phase I                               $160,000

White Pines Forest State Park, Mt. Morris      Plan & Begin Sewer System Replacement    $100,000

White Pines Forest State Park, Mt. Morris      Plan & Begin Restoration of Lodge

                                                                                and Cabins                                                            $50,793

 

Bishop Hill Historic Site, Bishop Hill                Restore Interior & Exterior                                $1,000,000

 

Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville        Renovate High School Building                       $2,780,000

Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville        Replace Roof & Upgrade Mechanical

                                                                                System-Burns Gym                                            $2,405,000

Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville         Visual Alert Systems                                         $800,000

Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville          Renovate Health Center                                  $770,000

 

Macomb Armory, Macomb                                Renovate Mechanical & Electrical

                                                                                Systems & Interior                                               $3,507,200

Cairo Armory, Cairo                                            Replace Roof & Renovate Interior &

                                                                                Exterior                                                                  $1,356,000

Mattoon Armory, Mattoon                                    Replace Low Roof & Renovate Interior

                                                                                & Exterior                                                              $992,000

Litchfield Armory, Litchfield                               Remodel Kitchen                                                 $517,000

 

Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon         Renovate Building T-1 and Building 1             $3,305,100

 

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston           Upgrade Windows & Plumbing at

                                                                                McAffee                                                                $350,000

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston            Replace Windows at Student Services

                                                                                Building                                                                 $176,000