Governor Quinn, Congressman Hare Announce $750,000 Federal Grant for Benld School

SPRINGFIELD – Children forced out of their elementary school due to structural damage caused by mine subsidence will return to classrooms safely this Fall thanks to a federal grant announced today by Governor Pat Quinn and Congressman Phil Hare (D-Illinois).

The City of Benld was awarded a $750,000 Flexible Opportunity Grant to lease modular portable classrooms until a new school is built. The grant is a part of the federally-funded Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), administered on the state level by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and assists Illinois communities with economic development, public infrastructure and housing rehabilitation projects.

“This has been a difficult year for Benld students and parents alike as they await construction of a new elementary school. With assistance from the CDAP program, we’re helping these students get the education they deserve and start the year off right in safe, stable facilities,” said Governor Quinn.

“When I visited Benld Elementary School in April, I was both heartbroken and resolved,” Hare said. “Heartbroken at what I saw but resolved to provide the kids who lost their beautiful school a safe alternative this fall. This grant will allow these students to continue to learn without interruption. I thank Governor Quinn and Sen. Durbin for their partnership in this effort.”

The Benld Elementary School building closed permanently in March after it was declared unsafe due to extensive damage from mine subsidence. Students finished the school year split between two other Gillespie Community Unit School District #7 schools.

“There has been a tremendous amount of support at both the state and federal level for Benld Elementary School and the community as a whole. This funding will go a long way towards starting the process of rebuilding the school – and the Benld community spirit,” State Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) stated. “We will continue to do whatever we can on the state level to help Macoupin County, the Gillespie School District and the Benld community.”

“By helping to provide a safe location for Benld Elementary students we are addressing the immediate needs of the children and ensuring the quality of life remains high in this area, which is critical for future economic growth,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley.

The CDAP program is for communities with populations under 50,000 that are not located within a HUD-designated entitlement community or one of the eight large urban counties that receive funds directly from HUD.

In June, Senator Dick Durbin announced another $250,000 in federal funding for the construction of a new school, including a sanitary sewer and pump station as well as storm water retention system.