Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Waukegan Green Infrastructure Projects

WAUKEGAN - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of nearly $3 million to improve recreational opportunities and control stormwater runoff in Waukegan. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, control urban flooding and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Investments in park development and recreation are investments in the health and well-being of the people in our communities," Governor Quinn said. "Investments in Waukegan's infrastructure will enhance the community and help with needed stormwater management. New upgrades will allow Waukegan to help control damaging rainwater and urban flooding and improve the safety and efficiency in the community for years to come."

The Waukegan Park District will receive $474,000 to construct a permeable paver parking lot and rain garden at Clearview Park. The Park District will replace an existing 27,392-square-foot gravel parking lot with eco-friendly permeable pavement and an adjacent 12,700-square-foot rain garden. This will greatly reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants entering the North Branch of the Waukegan River. The total project cost is $632,165. Waukegan will also receive $2.5 million to construct an indoor pool addition to the existing Hinkston Field House on Baldwin Avenue. The total project cost is $7,499,400.

"This project will add on to our hallmark facility and allow us to expand our Swim Smart program to hundreds of children as well as develop health programs for adult community members," Waukegan Park District Executive Director Greg Petry said. "The project will also serve as an economic driver for the area, creating additional investment and construction jobs."

Capital development projects in Waukegan 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.