Governor Quinn Announces $542,000 for Work at the University of Illinois at Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of more than $542,000 for work at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS). The project is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“This work will upgrade accessibility on campus so all students, staff, and visitors can have equal access to the University’s services and programs,” Governor Quinn said. “The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”

“We appreciate that this project will enhance the accessibility of the Springfield campus, as it allows us to better serve students, staff, and visitors,” University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch said.

The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

The contract for the work was awarded to Johnco Construction, Inc. of Mackinaw, the lowest of seven bidders at $542,600. The project will include Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility upgrades including restroom renovation, new signs, assistive listening systems, additional handicapped parking and wheelchair accessibility accommodations, campus telephones, and accessible drinking fountains. The work will also include new fume hoods and emergency shower controls in the science lab.

“Establishing an atmosphere that contributes to the intellectual, cultural, social, and personal enrichment of all its participants is one of UIS’ goals,” State Representative Raymond Poe (R-Springfield) said. “Using these capital funds to improve on-campus accessibility will certainly bring UIS one step closer to that objective.”

This project is part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.