Governor Quinn Announces $5.3 Million for Construction Projects in Southeastern Illinois

EFFINGHAM - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $5.3 million for construction projects in Crawford, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Shelby Counties. 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 address critical infrastructure needs in southeastern Illinois, improve safety and increase mobility," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which benefits the local economy."

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

Crawford County

A bridge carrying County Highway 12 over Dogwood Creek about six miles north of Oblong will be replaced for $364,341 by A.J. Walker Construction Company of Mattoon, the lower of two bidders.

Edgar County

County Highway 8 will be improved from just east of Illinois Route 49 to Illinois Route 1 for $1,091,190 by Howell Paving Inc. of Mattoon, the lowest of three bidders. The work includes surfacing, shoulders and reflective markers.

Fayette County

A bridge carrying Township Road 239 over a Ramsey Creek tributary three miles north of the Vandalia Correctional Center will be replaced for $409,468 by Depew and Owen Builders Inc. of Centralia, the lower of two bidders.

Jasper County

County Highway 11 will be reconstruction between 700 E Road and 1100 E Road for $495,316 by Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group Inc. of Mt. Carmel, the lower of two bidders.

A bridge over Crabapple Creek about 2.5 miles southwest of Latona will be replaced for $220,334 by A.J. Walker Construction Company of Mattoon, the lower of two bidders.

Shelby County

The Wolf Creek State Park will receive new boat docks, boat slips, gangways and a resurfaced parking lot. The shoreline will also be stabilized and the fish cleaning station's mechanical equipment will be cleaned. Grunloh Construction Inc. of Effingham was the lowest of six bidders at $529,000. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Shelby and Effingham Counties

A 16-mile stretch of Illinois Route 32 from south of Illinois Route 16 to north of Illinois Route 33 will be improved for $2,258,350 by Howell Paving Inc. of Mattoon, the lower of two bidders. The work includes the construction of shoulders and installation of rumble strips.

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.