The Quincy Veterans’ Home may now begin its five-year capital development plan following the signing of Senate Bill 3128 sponsored by State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), which provides for design-build contracting for the facility’s projects. Governor Bruce Rauner enacted the legislation on July 17 in Springfield.

“Securing the design-build contract is one of the final steps to kick start the Quincy Veterans’ Home $52-million capital development plan,” said Tracy. “Over the next five years, the campus will undergo a major rehabilitation to update the care facilities and residence to ensure it is up to code and safe for all of our veteran residents and their families. I’m glad to see the Governor taking such swift action to begin construction on one of Quincy’s most important landmarks.”

Senate Bill 3128 authorizes the Capital Development Board (CDB) and the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) to use design-build contracting in the upcoming projects at the veterans’ home. It also provides for the deposit and use of federal funds received as reimbursement for capital improvement project expenses.

The legislation specifies that the state construction agency is required to comply with federal regulations to remain eligible for federal aid for the renovation, restoration, rehabilitation or rebuilding of the Quincy Veterans’ Home. To ensure compliance, the Governor’s Office, CDB and IDVA must provide the General Assembly with un-redacted copies of all correspondence with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs related to securing funding for the development projects.

“The Quincy campus is the largest veterans’ home in Illinois, and this remodel will be life-changing for its hundreds of residents,” said Tracy. “The plan will also allow for the residents to continue living in the facility undisturbed during the construction.”

The Act is effective for five years, and CDB may not impose fees for contracts awarded under the Quincy Veterans’ Home Rehabilitation and Rebuilding Act.