As part of the recently approved Fiscal Year 2019 capital budget, two local community colleges in the 35th Senate District will receive funding for emergency or deferred maintenance projects on campus.

“We need a strong, up-to-date infrastructure to attract businesses to Illinois,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner. “The funds we are releasing today are included in the bipartisan budget we signed earlier this year. Every dollar we are investing in these capital projects helps our communities deliver better service to businesses and residents. That’s how government can play a positive role in the Illinois economy.”

Funds have been allocated to both Rock Valley College and Kishwaukee College to either begin or complete much-needed maintenance projects on campuses.

“Governor Rauner has shown continued dedication to Illinois’ institutions of higher learning, pushing for funding that provides for a stronger infrastructure for our students,” said Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). “Both projects at Rock Valley College and Kishwaukee College are critical maintenance repairs that will make long-term investments in the future of our community colleges in the 35th Senate District.”

Rock Valley College will receive $335,905 in funding to begin the architecture and engineering phase of the reconstruction and resurfacing for a campus parking lot. Funding will also cover adding energy-efficient lighting upgrades to the area.

Meanwhile, Kishwaukee College has been allocated $220,005 in funding for extensive repairs and accessibility improvements to the greenhouse and head house attached facility on campus. Both structures were built in 1970 and are currently in need of maintenance overhauls, including glass wall and ceiling panel replacements.

In total, community colleges across the state were appropriated approximately $150 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2019.