For Immediate Release – April 28, 2021
Illinois Capital Development Board Announces Over $3.2 Million in Funding to University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign Towards Safety Upgrades
URBANA/CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced over $3.2 million has been released from the state for safety upgrades at University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Illinois State University campus that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. Made possible by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the renovation work will create good jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding community. CDB will oversee the project’s renovation under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.
The project includes providing sprinkler systems installation in buildings such as Talbot Laboratory and fire alarm panel upgrades in various buildings. Upgrades will also address accessibility and ADA concerns, including installation of a new accessible ramp.
“It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, UIUC will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work, further cementing its place as a world-class institution that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow.”
“I am thankful for the investment the State of Illinois is making in the restoration of this facility through the sprinkler installations and fire alarm upgrades,” said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. “The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential for upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state.”
“I’m grateful to the governor and the Capitol Development Board for this investment in the University of Illinois System, a reflection of the importance of our universities to the state and its future,” University of Illinois President Tim Killeen said. “Well-maintained facilities are vital to the mission of education and research.”
“We are excited and grateful at this latest installment of the Rebuild Illinois funding that is critical to the rejuvenation and renewal of the state’s land-grant university,” said Chancellor Robert J. Jones.
“As chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I know firsthand the needs of the University of Illinois system. As we prepare for in-person instruction to return in the fall semester, now is the most appropriate time to upgrade our university facilities for all those learning and working on the campus. An investment of this magnitude is very beneficial to continuing UIUC’s long history of academic success in the region,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).
“The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign educates a majority of the enrollment in the University of Illinois network, and these life safety system improvements will only enhance the environment for faculty and students. As member of the House Appropriations – Higher Education Committee, I frequently hear what resources are needed to keep Illinois competitive in both attracting and producing the best talent possible, and these investments validate Illinois’ commitment to our economic future,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D – Urbana).
The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed in 2019 with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state aging facilities like the new crime lab and Quincy Veterans’ Home over the next five years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.
