Gov. Quinn Announces $1.7 Million for SIUE Chiller Plant Renovation
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of more than $1.7 million to renovate Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s chiller plant.
The project is part of Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! Program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. The SIUE project is part of Quinn’s commitment to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.
“Our investment will help provide a better and more efficient learning environment at this world-class institution of higher learning,” Quinn said. “The project also will employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”
The project involves renovating SIUE’s central chiller plant, which provides air conditioning to the campus. This includes increasing the plant capacity, installing a third lake water pump, upgrading switchgear, removing an absorption chiller, and upgrading pumps and controls.
“These improvements will make a real difference on the SIUE campus,” SIU President Glenn Poshard said. “When combined with the other SIU-related projects in the governor’s Illinois Jobs Now! Program, this will continue to demonstrate the state’s commitment to the University. Chancellor (Julie) Furst-Bowe and I look forward to the start of this project and to future investments in our campus.
“While a new air conditioning system may not be the most thrilling construction project in the university’s history, this is a commitment to maintain the existing standard of a quality environment to attract and keep the great student body and faculty at SIUE,” said Illinois State Senator William Haine (D-Alton.)
Kane Mechanical, Inc. of East Alton was the lowest of four bidders for the heating and air conditioning part of the work at $1,171,500. Wissehr Electric, Inc. of Belleville was the lowest of four bidders for the electrical work with a quote of $572,600. The Illinois Capital Development Board will oversee the project.
Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.
Photo: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
