Governor Quinn announces $402,000 for upgrades at two transportation buildings in Chicago

Illinois Jobs Now! Project will improve State’s infrastructure and create construction jobs

CHICAGO. IL – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced a total of more than $402,000 in capital investments for needed maintenance and improvement work at two Illinois Department of Transportation buildings in Chicago. The projects are part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“Public buildings are important parts of our infrastructure and need to be maintained to ensure safety,” Governor Quinn said. “These projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy as well.”

The projects include upgrading the climate control systems and an emergency generator at the Emergency Traffic Patrol Headquarters at 35th and Normal; and plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and restroom work at the Dan Ryan Headquarters at 900 S. Des Plaines. Contracts were awarded for three separate portions of the jobs. The general remodeling and rehabilitation contract was awarded to Tri-State Enterprises, Inc. of Romeoville, the lowest of five bidders at $251,786. The ventilation work was awarded to Kirby Sheet Metal Works, Inc. of Chicago, the lowest of three bidders at $65,200. The plumbing contract was awarded to Calumet City Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc. on their bid of $85,495, the lowest of two bids.

The contracts were recently awarded following a competitive bidding process and address a critical infrastructure need while creating construction jobs. The Illinois Capital Development Board will manage the projects.

“This is a win-win initiative for our communities,” State Rep. Esther Golar (D-Chicago) said. “This economic stimulus and the public safety upgrades are desperately needed on the south and west sides of Chicago.”

“I am encouraged that these projects are moving forward as we work to rebuild our state’s economy and improve public safety,” State Rep. Arthur Turner (D-Chicago) said. “Economic opportunity is a top concern for local residents and I will continue working to improve job growth in our area.”

The projects are part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.