Governor Blagojevich announces $6.7 million to the Illinois School for the Deaf

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod Blagojevich released today $6.7 million from the 2002 and 2003 capital budget for the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville. The capital projects improves and repairs three buildings and upgrades the visual fire alarm system.

 

The projects include $2.8 million to renovate the high school building, $2.4 million to replace the roof and upgrade mechanical systems at the Burns Gymnasium, $800,000 for new visual alert systems, and $770,000 for renovations to the Health Center.

 

"I am pleased to release funding for these important projects," said Governor Blagojevich. "These capital improvements continue our commitment to maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure to ensure a safe environment for the residents and staff of the Illinois School for the Deaf."

 

The work on the high school will include a new heating and air conditioning system, vents, ducts, carpet, lighting, science labs, sprinkler system, electrical, plumbing, doors and ceilings. The work is scheduled to start in this spring and be completed by winter 2006. The Health Center project includes replacing all doors, tuck pointing, refurbishing windows, new flooring, fire system and painting. The work is expected to begin in this spring and be completed in this summer.

 

The scope of work on the Burns Gymnasium includes tuck pointing, replacement of the heating and air conditioning system, pool heating equipment, lighting, fire alarm, plumbing, electrical, new scoreboards, automatic controls for restroom facilities and new lighting controls. The new visual alert systems will include a state-of-the-art fire alarm system in 13 buildings and installation of a pager system in the boiler house.