Governor Announces Construction Grants For SIU-C, UIC

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the release of construction grants totaling more than $83 million to two Illinois universities, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the University of Illinois at Chicago. SIU-C will receive $25,690,000 to continue construction of a 50,000 square-foot addition to Morris Library, while UIC was awarded $57,600,000 to construct and equip a chemical sciences building.

"From Day One education has been a priority of my administration," Governor Ryan said. "These grants are another way of improving our State's system of higher learning. With the development these grants provide for, students will have better access to the resources they need to be successful."

The addition to Morris Library on the SIU-C campus will provide support for distance learning, teleconferencing, classrooms, circulating library materials, and a 24-hour study center. The scope of work also includes the upgrade of the mechanical systems; repairing masonry; installing building automation systems; replacing fire alarms, wiring and roofing systems and carpet; and purchasing high-density storage shelving. In fiscal year 2002, $1,918,900 in Capital Development funds were released to plan this project.

The grant to UIC will pay for the construction and equipping of a chemical sciences building. The new facility will allow for connections between the basic structural biology and science to biotechnology. Research areas include tumor growth, HIV, immunology, dental, orthopedics, and environmental impacts. Earlier this fiscal year, $6,400,000 in Capital Development funds were released to plan this project.