June 23, 2011: “A tremendous boost to the local economy,” is how Illinois Valley Community College President Jerry Corcoran described the state’s release of $22.8 million for construction of a Community Technology Center at the college.

Corcoran received word today from the Illinois Capital Development Board that CDB bonds totaling $22,844,800 – the full appropriation – will be available for preliminary construction beginning in late fall. With IVCC’s $7.6 million match, the project total is approximately $30.5 million.

“This is one of the most significant events in our college’s 87-year history,” said Corcoran. “This facility will dramatically enhance our ability to serve students and the community and within two years, the Illinois Valley will have a premier training site for manufacturing and alternative energy careers.”

The 80,000-square-foot CTC – expected to formally break ground in the spring of 2012 – will be home to ten career programs such as electronics, industrial maintenance, CNC, CAD, HVAC and renewable wind energy. In addition, the facility will be a one-stop enrollment center for admissions, counseling and financial aid and will be home to the Business Training Center, Adult Education and other programs.

Corcoran noted the significant effect the project will have on the district.

“Economic impact studies indicate that every $1 million in construction generates seven well-paying jobs. With a $30 million project, that’s 200 great jobs. And University of Illinois research tells us every $1 in construction results in more than $2 flowing through the local economy,” Corcoran said.

Once open, the CTC will be a showroom of training possibilities for existing and prospective businesses, he added.

Corcoran lauded the college’s board of trustees and chair Dennis Thompson of Princeton for setting aside money each year for such a project and for its courage in moving ahead with the project in difficult economic times.

“This is something we’ve been planning for a long time and wishing for even longer,” said Thompson. “It’s wonderful to finally be in a position to definitively say the CTC is going to be built.”

Corcoran also credited Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) and former Sen. Gary Dahl (R-Granville) for helping make the appropriation part of a $31 billion capital development bill signed by Gov. Quinn in 2009. The proposal was also supported by the 12 other legislators serving parts of IVCC’s district.

“Frank and Gary were especially crucial in working with the CDB on a plan that would pass the legislature and earn the Governor’s signature,” Corcoran noted. “They really stepped up to the plate when we needed them and got the job done.”

The project will also include replacement of east campus “temporary buildings” the college has used since 1968.

The construction timeline begins at the July 19 board meeting when trustees issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for debt certificates. Those RFPs will be approved at their Aug. 23 meeting and bids from potential construction contractors will be opened Aug. 25.

At a special board meeting in early September, the general contractor will be chosen as well as an asbestos abatement contractor for work in the upper gymnasium (the therapeutic massage program will be moving there from its east campus location).

In late November, the CDB will issue an “action to proceed” and the gymnasium abatement work will begin. Work on the CTC will begin with the 2012 construction season.

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

“Our progressive board and legislators have seized a once in a lifetime opportunity that will significantly improve every students’ experience at IVCC as well as economic development and employment opportunity throughout our district,” he said.