Governor Quinn Announces Capital Construction Funding for Harper College

PALATINE – October 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today visited William Rainey Harper College to announce nearly $8 million in state capital funds that will enable the college to begin designing the renovation of the Engineering and Technology Center, as well as the replacement of the Hospitality Facility. The funding, which is provided through the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, is the first step in projects that are expected to generate around 225 jobs.

“It is important that our colleges and universities have the tools they need to give students the best educations possible,” said Governor Quinn. “These projects will make sure that students at Harper College are benefitting from a state-of-the-art facility and the latest technology. The Palatine area will also benefit from the jobs this project will create.”

Increased enrollment at the college has also increased the need for additional space, as well as improvements to existing classrooms and laboratories. Approximately $4 million in capital funding will allow the college to complete the planning and prepare to bid a project that will reconfigure and upgrade space in the Engineering and Technology Center.

The project will also include improvements to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Additional work will involve replacing the lighting and sound systems and purchasing equipment. An additional $16.3 million in state funding is included in the Illinois Jobs Now! program for the actual construction work.

Harper College is also receiving more than $3.9 million to replace the current Hospitality Facility. The new building will be approximately 10,080 square feet and will include an instructional kitchen, dining laboratory with lecture and demonstration space, a retail display space and walkways connecting the facility to neighboring structures.

“We are producing construction jobs while improving educational opportunities for Illinoisans. Everybody wins with this Illinois Jobs Now! project,” said Jim Riemer, Executive Director of the Capital Development Board, which manages all state-funded, non-road construction projects.