Illinois Capital Development Board Announces Over $1.1 Million in Funding to Chicago State University Towards the Upgrade of Parking Lots, Roads, and Walkways

Funding to Repair Aging Facilities Made Possible by Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan

CHICAGO– The Illinois Capital Development Board today announced over $1.1 million has been released from the state to upgrade parking lots, roads, and walkways at Chicago State University. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Chicago State University campus that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. Made possible by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan capital plan, the first in nearly a decade, the renovation work will create good jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding community. CDB will oversee the project’s renovation under the protocol for state-appropriated capital projects.

“It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Chicago State University will be able to complete long-needed maintenance work, further cementing its place as a world-class institution that excels in preparing talented students for the careers of tomorrow.”

“I am thankful for the investment the State of Illinois is making in the restoration of this facility through new concrete sidewalks, repairs to the drainage system, and the repaving of parking lots and roadways at Chicago State University,” said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. “The Rebuild Illinois capital plan is essential for upgrading and improving facilities throughout the state.”

“The state of Illinois is making critical investments that will result in an academic environment that inspires our students and community,” said President Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott Esq., Chicago State University. “As Chicago State University reaches new heights, capital and infrastructure investment is essential to providing best-in-class learning spaces for our students and the Southside of Chicago.”

“As a proud product of Chicago State University, I’m excited to have helped bring this much needed upgrade to this institution. This announcement is very much appreciated by the school and the commuters using this space daily, and it’s important we continue to address the needs of our universities to make sure they have the tools available to complete their academic mission,” said State Representative Nicholas Smith (D – Chicago).

The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed in 2019 with bipartisan super-majorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers, and state aging facilities like the new crime lab and Quincy Veterans’ Home over the next five years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.

Press Release