Projects Will Improve State's Infrastructure and Create Construction Jobs
ROCK ISLAND - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of more than $1.8 million for construction projects in Rock Island and Henry Counties. The projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.
"These projects will replace a well-used bridge and improve the operation of a maintenance yard," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy."
The bridge carrying Illinois Route 92 over the Big Branch Creek about 1.5 miles north of Illinois Route 192 near Edgington in Rock Island County will be replaced for $1,333,392 by General Constructors Inc. of the Quad Cities, the lowest of three bidders. The Illinois Department of Transportation will manage the project.
An oil-water separator will be installed in the Geneseo Maintenance Yard operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation. This will allow the re-use of some of these materials, saving operational costs and reducing environmental impact. Laverdiere Construction, Inc. of Macomb was the lowest of three bidders for the work at $513,439. The Illinois Capital Development Board will manage the project.
"Bridge repairs throughout the area are crucial to ensure the safety of drivers that use these roadways every day," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said. "These projects, the bridge and the IDOT maintenance yard in Geneseo, will bring additional construction jobs to both Rock Island and Henry Counties."
"I am always appreciative of an effort by state agencies to reduce long-term operational costs, and this oil-water separator being installed at the Geneseo facility will do just that," State Senator Darin M. LaHood (R-Dunlap) said.
"Without the proper maintenance from projects like the bridge replacement on Route 92, our roads and bridges will fall into dangerous disrepair," State Representative Pat Verschoore (D-Milan) said. "Projects like this are vital to helping create and maintain good jobs in our area while keeping important roadways in the best and safest conditions."
These projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support 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.
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