I-80 Rest Area Will Become State's First to Generate its Own Power
HAMPTON - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of $195,000 to construct a wind turbine to power a rest area along Interstate 80 in the Quad Cities. It will become the state's first rest area to generate its own power through wind energy. The project is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to moving the state toward energy independence using green technology.
"The best energy source is free, renewable and has little environmental impact - that perfectly describes wind energy," Governor Quinn said. "Producing our own energy at this well-used rest area will reduce operational costs and serve as a model for other rest areas in the state."
A wind turbine and associated equipment will be built at the Mississippi Rapids Rest Area along Interstate 80 northeast of Hampton, and should be operational in spring 2014. Located on a bluff just a short distance from the Mississippi River, the rest area is in an ideal location to take advantage of prevailing winds. The project, awarded to Laverdiere Construction, Inc. of Macomb for $195,682, will also include an informational kiosk so visitors can see the amount of power being generated to supply the 2,700-square-foot, two-story building's energy needs. The 40,000 KWH/yr produced by the wind turbine should supply enough electricity to completely power the rest area on most days. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board, and the rest area is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
"As the Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, I am proud that we are able to manufacture wind turbines and also put them to use on a local project where they will provide self-sustaining power to a Rock Island County rest area near Hampton," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said. "Bringing clean energy projects to the district will not only provide skilled labor jobs in the area, but also allow the state to reduce its costs while providing a necessary service along Interstate 80."
"This investment creates construction jobs, adds to our local energy infrastructure and helps lower utility costs for taxpayers," State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) said.
This project is 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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