CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois Capital Development Board announced $862,000 has been released for the replacement of the doors and upgrades to ADA compliance at Parkland College from the state, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of $1.1 million. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Parkland College campus that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. Made possible by Governor Pritzker's bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the renovation work will create good jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding community. CDB will oversee the project's renovation under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.
"It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Parkland College will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work and complete the doors and ADA compliance on campus, further cementing its place as a world-class institution that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow."
"I am thankful to the State of Illinois for investing in the replacement of the exterior doors throughout the campus, upgrading handrails, and ramps for ADA compliance at Parkland College," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential for upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state."
"We are grateful for this opportunity to perform critical maintenance to our campus and continue our long-standing commitment to accessibility for the next generation of students," said Parkland College President Dr. Thomas Ramage. "We extend our thanks to Governor JB Pritzker and the State of Illinois for this continued investment in our institution as we fulfill our mission to engage the community in learning by providing high-quality, affordable transfer and career training programs."
"The specialized training and education offered at community colleges provides opportunities for everyone in the community, and it's critically important that these facilities be open and welcoming to anyone who attends," said Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett. "Investing in ADA upgrades will benefit many current Parkland students and faculty, as well as enable generations of future students to be able to take advantage of all the college has to offer."
"I'm very thankful to see Illinois investing in infrastructure at our area community colleges, and this project is no exception. As member of the House Economic Opportunity & Equity Committee, I recognize that equitable access to education is the foundation for one's economic success," said State Representative Carol Ammons. "Ensuring that our facilities have proper ADA accessibility is one of the most effective ways for us to enfranchise every citizen and their economic potential."
The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state facilities like the new crime lab and veterans' homes, creating, and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the six-year plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.
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