Western to see nearly $10 million for campus repairs
More than $57 million in capital funding has been released to colleges and universities statewide with $9.5 million going to Western Illinois University (WIU) as part of the Fiscal Year 2019 capital budget approved by lawmakers in late May. The capital program was appropriated as part of the current FY 2019 state budget.
“This summer we expanded our scholarship granting programs—AIM High and MAP—to help us attract more in-state students,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner. “The investment we’re making at Western makes it possible for us to make long overdue improvements to the physical environment for learning, and that will help us attract more students as well.”
The capital funds will go to repair and replace roofing and water pipes at WIU. An industrial chiller will also be repaired using the capital funding they will receive. These three projects totaling $9.5 million will update and upgrade systems that are in need of renovation.
“These funds will ensure the WIU campus can continue operating smoothly and seamlessly,” said Sen. Jil Tracy. “Funding is always needed for the most basic repairs and updates, it’s essential that we continue to recognize such needs and budget accordingly to cover them.”
Having been approved, the comptroller now has authority to release the funding to WIU to begin construction once costs begin to be incurred.
“With this announcement, WIU will be able to move forward with needed improvements,” said Rep. Norine Hammond. “Working with President Thomas and others in the administration, this capital funding came through passage of this year’s budget and ensures that the university will be able to make these necessary repairs to infrastructure.”
The FY19 capital initiatives appropriated in the final budget included nearly $1 billion to address needs of higher education facilities, including the funding necessary to complete ongoing construction and repair projects, as well as financing to begin new maintenance and infrastructure improvement projects.
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Media Contact:
Alex Williams | 217-737-2782 | awilliams@sgop.ilga.gov