May 26, 2009: “A once in a lifetime opportunity,” is how Illinois Valley Community College President Jerry Corcoran describes the $23 million for IVCC in a capital construction bill passed by the State House and Senate last week.

If signed by Gov. Pat Quinn, the $29 billion capital development bill would partially finance construction of a $30 million Community Technology Center at IVCC. The college has already raised more than $5 million toward its matching portion of the project.

The building would house manufacturing and high-tech career programs as well as student services such as admissions, financial aid and counseling.

Corcoran credited the college’s board of trustees for setting aside money each year for such a project and for its foresight in moving ahead with the project in difficult economic times. In March, the board hired Basalay, Cary & Alstadt Architects of Ottawa to begin work on the architectural plan for a technology and workforce development center.

The college has now combined plans for that center with some of the most important features of a Community Instructional Center into the Community Technology Center (CTC).

“Instead of building two centers, we can combine the two under one roof, serve both purposes and save taxpayers millions in the process,” said Corcoran.

Corcoran credited State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) and State Sen. Gary Dahl (R-Granville) for leading the funding effort in Springfield. The proposal was also supported by the 12 other state representatives and senators serving parts of IVCC’s 2,000-square-mile district, Corcoran said.

The building will house electronics, drafting, computer-aided drafting and design (CAD), computer networking, process operations, industrial electricity, adult education, horticulture, manufacturing (machinist and tool & die), HVAC, CNC and industrial maintenance programs such as pneumatics, hydraulics and pipefitting.

In addition, the project would include replacement of east campus “temporary buildings” the college has used for 40 years, and would allow movement of programs into areas left vacant by departments moving into the CTC.

If approved, the project’s steering committee would begin holding several focus group meetings to secure district-wide input on a facility that could be built within two years.

Corcoran, who completed his first year as president in April, said the CTC would significantly bolster the college’s ability to serve the district well into the future.

“Our board and our legislators share my conviction: this project will enhance economic development, employment opportunity and alternative energy careers,” said Corcoran.