Governor Quinn Announces $3.3 Million for Construction Projects in Peoria-Bloomington Area

EAST PEORIA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $3.3 million for construction projects in Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Piatt, Tazewell and Woodford Counties. The projects include road construction and improvements, renovations at Illinois Central College and more. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's commitment to creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"These projects will make sure our roads and buildings in central Illinois are well maintained to improve safety and longevity," Governor Quinn said. "These projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will drive local economies forward."

The projects will be managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation except where noted.

McLean and Piatt Counties

Crack and joint sealing will be done at various McLean and Piatt County locations for $274,713 by Complete Asphalt Service Company of Pittsfield, the lowest of three bidders.

Marshall, Peoria and Woodford Counties

Rumble strips will be added along Interstate 39 through Marshall and Woodford Counties, and rumble strips and chevrons will be added on U.S. Route 24 in Kingston Mines in Peoria County. Diamond Surface, Inc. of Rogers, Minnesota was the lower of two bidders for the project with a quote of $258,028.

Peoria County

Streetscape improvements will be made in a 13-block area of downtown Elmwood for $1,674,364 by Laverdiere Construction, Inc. of Macomb. The work includes new sidewalks, aesthetic lighting, landscaping, and street signs.

Pavement removal will be done on a 570-foot section of Illinois Route 29 in Chillicothe at the BNSF Railroad viaducts. Advanced Asphalt Company of Princeton was the lower of two bidders at $180,900.

Tazewell County

Classrooms at Illinois Central College in East Peoria will receive $1 million worth of renovations. The project involves carpet and flooring replacement, ceiling replacement, electrical and lighting upgrades and painting. Harold O'Shea Builders Inc. of Springfield was the lowest of six bidders for the work at $1,055,512. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

"ICC is an exceptional community college and an important part of our region. I am pleased to see it receive the funding needed for these renovations," State Representative Keith Sommer (R-Morton) said.

Last month, Governor Quinn announced a $2.6 million state investment to build a 24,000 square-foot addition at Illinois Central College that will enhance a number of the school's key programs, creating opportunities for students throughout the region. Bids on that project will be awarded at a later date.

Illinois Central College offers two-year associate's degrees and certificates in such disciplines as Agriculture, Business, English, Health Careers and Library Assisting. The school offers highly flexible scheduling that makes taking courses convenient for all students, with weekend, evening and online courses available in all departments. Campuses are located in East Peoria, Pekin, and in downtown and north Peoria.

The projects are 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 construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.