Governor Quinn Announces Investment for Next Phase of WIU Quad Cities Riverfront Campus

MOLINE - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment for the next phase of the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities (WIU) Riverfront campus in Moline. The funding comes from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program and will continue to expand the educational opportunities available to Quad Cities area residents. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to improve higher education, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"There's no investment more important in Illinois than an investment in education, and this Riverfront Campus addition will provide more high-quality learning opportunities for students at WIU," Governor Quinn said. "The WIU Quad Cities Campus will continue to grow, strengthening the local economy and preparing more students for the in-demand careers of today and tomorrow."

"This is another great day for Western Illinois University," WIU President Jack Thomas said. "We appreciate the support of Governor Quinn and all of our legislators for the many projects and programs that further improve our great university. By working together, we continue to move forward to provide the residents of the Quad Cities region access to quality public higher education."

The investment announced today will fund the design work on Phase Three of the WIU Riverfront campus. This phase will include the construction of an approximately 85,000 square-foot academic building including classrooms, general education laboratories, high-bay specialized laboratories, offices, student resources, and service and support space. The total estimated project cost is $34.6 million. Like Phase One and Two buildings, Phase Three buildings will be sustainably designed, constructed and operated.

Governor Quinn and school officials recently opened the $42 million Phase Two campus expansion at WIU's Quad Cities Campus. Phase One, the $18.4 million Riverfront Campus building, opened in January 2012. All were funded by the Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! program.

"This is very exciting news for Moline and the surrounding communities," Moline Mayor Scott Raes said. "WIU-Quad Cities is a great asset and this commitment from Governor Quinn for Phase Three will make it a true riverfront jewel. Quality education, jobs and new economic development will be a real boost to our region."

"A few years ago, the idea of a riverfront campus was laughed off by cynics," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) said. "We've worked together to make it a reality and invest in this community's future and our children's futures. The opportunities this campus offers will change and save lives through education."

"I have likely sounded like a broken record on my strong support for the expansion of Western Illinois Quad Cities Riverfront Quad Cities campus, but I am so very proud of Governor Quinn's announcement to get the ball rolling on the final stage," State Representative Pat Verschoore (D-Milan) said. "As I have said, this expansion is critical not only in terms of the jobs it creates through construction for our area, but because it provides for stronger employment opportunities to the entire Quad Cities now and into the future."

"WIU, in addition to being a first-class public university, is an engine of economic growth for the Quad Cities," State Representative Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) said. "Entering the next phase of construction for the Riverfront campus is going to stimulate our economy and give our kids an opportunity to attend a four-year public university without leaving home."

Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program 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.