Quinn for Illinois

By Sanford J. Schmidt

EDWARDSVILLE - Gov. Pat Quinn demonstrated Wednesday that he really digs the new Science Building Complex at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The governor appeared on campus in wet, nasty weather to help turn the first shovels of dirt for the complex at a groundbreaking ceremony.

Earlier this year, the university was promised $78.9 million from the Illinois General Assembly as part of the Illinois Jobs Now bill, what lawmakers usually call the "capital bill."

The Southern Illinois University system, which includes the campuses at Edwardsville, Alton, Carbondale and Springfield, is set to receive a total of $168.1 million.

"SIUE has grown up, and it continues to grow and thrive," SIU President Glen Poshard said. "The project is the latest and greatest example of how far this institution has come and the potential for its future growth and success.

"These improvements, and the new building, are critical to relieve overcrowding and replace antiquated equipment and materials," he said.

SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said the lack of an adequate science building has been the single most important factor limiting the future growth of the university.

The project will create approximately 435 construction jobs, with the first phase of construction slated to begin next week.

Quinn said the new building would put a lot of people to work.

"Putting people to work is my Number One priority," he said.

The new, 107,884-square-foot science facility is intended to accommodate the growth of science programs at the university. The new facility will house research and instructional laboratory space, classrooms, offices and common areas.

Renovations to the existing 60,000-square-foot facility include upgrading the heating, air conditioning and ventilation, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, replacing windows and abating asbestos-containing materials.