Illinois Capital Development Board Releases Nearly $867,000 in Funding to Illinois Central College for Renovation of the Courtyard and Upgrades for ADA Compliance

EAST PEORIA - The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced nearly $867,000 has been released for the renovation of the courtyard and upgrades for ADA compliance at Illinois Central College from the state, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of $1.1 million. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Illinois Central College 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.

"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, Illinois Central College will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work and complete the courtyard and upgrades for the ADA compliance, further cementing its place as a world-class institution that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow."

"I am thankful to the State of Illinois for investing in the renovation of the courtyard including replacement of the concrete, walkways, handrails, landscaping, addressing drainage issues, and upgrades for ADA compliance," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential to upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state."

"The overall objective of this renovated space is to create a safe, accessible outdoor learning environment that includes an outdoor classroom with internet connectivity.  This space creates an enhanced overall experience for the engagement of all of our students which improves retention and leads to increased student success. We are grateful for this funding that creates this exceptional experience for our students," stated Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of Illinois Central College.

"We are delighted Illinois Central College has received their Capitol Grant to enhance their infrastructure and ADA Compliance," said State Senator Sally Turner (R-Lincoln). "ICC has been a great partner in our community reaching out and bettering the lives of many."

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state facilities like the new crime lab and veterans' homes, creating, and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the six-year plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.