Published: July 10, 2009 11:15 pm      

DACC, city to benefit from bill

Capital projects bill to help county, as well

DANVILLE — A couple of multi-million dollar projects in Vermilion County are part of the 2009 Capital Projects bill expected to be signed Monday.

Gov. Pat Quinn has said he plans to approve the bill, releasing roughly $29 billion in construction. The plan had been held up by state legislators as part of the stand-off regarding the budget.

Two at the top of the local projects list are $5.6 million to go toward the reworking of Mary Miller Gymnasium at Danville Area Community college and $7 million for the replacement of the subway along East Fairchild Street in Danville.

State Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, called those projects and others in the area and state “badly needed infrastructure” projects. He pointed out the state hasn’t had a capital projects bill is almost 10 years.

In addition to the two major projects, Black said a number of “member initiatives” projects also will be approved with Quinn’s signing of the capital projects bill. Those member initiatives include:

-- $1.5 million to the county highway department for Lyons Road reconstruction and connections to Indianola Road. A feasibility study on the project was completed almost three years ago.

-- $1.17 million to the City of Danville for roadway extension and public infrastructure to accommodate industrial expansion at Southgate Industrial Park.

-- $500,000 toward the construction of an environment education center at Kennekuk County Park. The center, once com-pleted, is expected to handle as many as 500 people.

-- $450,000 for energy efficiency upgrades at the Danville Family YMCA.

-- $160,000 for cast iron water repairs to the water tower in the Village of Potomac.

-- $110,000 to replace an 18-foot culvert on Western Avenue in Danville Township.

-- $75,000 to the Village of Tilton for removal of debris from Grape Creek and general maintenance to assist flood prevention.

-- $40,000 for a disabled playground upgrade in the Village of Catlin.

-- $75,000 to the Danville Art League to move the former American Red Cross building to a nearby lot.

Art league Treasurer Roberta Williams said the state funding could help the project proceed, but the first application for tax credits by Sterling Development Corp. of Indiana failed for the construction of senior housing there.

As a result, Williams said the art league won’t get the building in October, but will wait for it. She said plans are to await Sterling to reapply for the tax credits in December.

“That’s what we’re hoping for,” Williams said of the building. “We’re marching in place.”

The art league has raised about $53,000 for the building move. The state funding will push the group past its goal of at least $65,000.

Black said the lengthy bill includes a number of highway projects for the area.

He cautioned the health services proponents and others should not assume the capital projects plan funds could have been used elsewhere. He said bond money for brick-and-mortar projects cannot be allocated to other expenses.

State government will borrow billions of dollars to pay for the construction and pay off the debt over many years with money from video gambling, higher liquor taxes and higher fees on driver’s licenses and license plates.

Commercial-News staff writer Jennifer Bailey contributed to this report.