Transportation-training center construction begins

Structural work on a $45 million transportation-training center will begin soon at Chicago’s Olive Harvey College.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced Thursday that $4.6 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program for structural work.

The center will have space for training students in automotive technology and training, collision repair, diesel engine technology and aviation mechanics. It will also have an area for supply chain management, including a warehouse and simulation labs; and taxi, truck driver and forklift training.

The building should be completed by fall 2015.

The center is being funded by $31 million in state funds, $13 million from the City Colleges of Chicago and $1 million from the Illinois Community College Board’s program to replace temporary facilities.