Governor Quinn Announces $6.1 Million for Spoon River College Multipurpose Building

CANTON - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $6.1 million to build a new Multi-purpose Building at Spoon River College. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the project is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This new Multipurpose Building at Spoon River College will allow the school to offer even more programs that benefit students and the community," Governor Quinn said. "The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will drive the local economy forward."

"Spoon River College is thrilled to have this project moving forward," President of Spoon River College Curt Oldfield said. "This multi-purpose facility will fill a long term need of the college. Spoon River College will be able to expand its wellness initiatives for students, faculty and staff, offer new programs and develop new connections with the surrounding communities."

The Spoon River College Multipurpose Building will be a 27,000-square-foot structure that will include a gymnasium with moveable bleachers, locker rooms, training/weight room, faculty offices, as well as general use and support space. Its construction will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board. Construction contracts were recently awarded for the project. The successful bidders include:

• General construction: Leander Construction, Inc., Canton, $3,995,900, one of five bidders.
• Plumbing: Dries Brothers, Inc., Peoria, $212,800, one of five bidders.
• Ventilation: J.S. Fritch & Sons, Inc., Peoria, $424,240, the sole bidder.
• Heating & Air Conditioning: Warner Plumbing, Inc., East Peoria, $727,000, one of three bidders.
• Sprinklers: The Pipco Companies, LTD, Peoria, $57,200, one of three bidders.
• Electrical: Quick Electrical Contractors, Inc., Fairview, $714,500, one of four bidders.

"Spoon River College is a key part of the Canton and Fulton County communities as a center of higher education and a major employer," State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. "It's important for the state to continue investing in this important resource."

"Investments in higher education are investments in Illinois' future," State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) said. "Spoon River College has a strong track record as one of the best community colleges in Illinois. This investment in Fulton County better positions our communities for future success."

The Spoon River College 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 construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.