Governor Quinn Announces $212,000 in Upgrades at Galesburg Readiness Center

GALESBURG - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of more than $212,000 to upgrade the Illinois Army National Guard Readiness Center in Galesburg operated by the Illinois Department of Military Affairs. The upgrades are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This project will help provide a more secure environment for the approximately 300 Illinois National Guard Soldiers that train in Galesburg," Governor Quinn said. "These upgrades will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy."

The readiness center houses the Illinois Army National Guard's 444th Chemical Company, Charlie Battery of the 2-123 Field Artillery Battalion and India Company of the Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program.

"Those Soldiers that drill in Galesburg include some of our new recruits as well as some of our most experienced and well respected troops," Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, said. "This project will improve the quality of the training environment for all of these Soldiers."

The work will involve the construction of a 3,000-square-foot military vehicle parking area, including security fencing and lighting. The general construction work will be done by Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. of East Peoria, the lowest of four bidders at $172,775. The electrical work will be done for $39,599 by Oberlander Electric Co. of East Peoria, the lowest of four bidders.

"I want to thank the Governor for making these funds available," State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) said. "Not only does this help to create jobs, this is a statement of our support and an expression of appreciation for the brave men and women serving in our armed forces by providing them the best possible facility where they meet, train and deploy from."

The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board and uses federal funds administered by the State of Illinois.