Don't delay NIU's proton center

Over the past few weeks there has been some unfortunate misconceptions reported regarding the state-of-the-art Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center. In order to shed some light on this important project, which will bring cutting-edge medical treatment not only DuPage County but the region as a whole, we felt it was important to set the record straight.

The proton center was born out of a partnership forged among Northern Illinois University, Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, DuPage County, Fermi and Argonne National laboratories, plus state and congressional leaders.

The state of Illinois, in recognizing the need for this type of project, invested $34 million to develop and establish the DuPage National Technology Park as a national center for the development of new technology enterprises. Due to this significant investment, combined with available land development; we are pleased that the proton center will serve as an anchor of our tech park.

We also recognize the contribution Central DuPage Hospital makes to our region. They are a leading health care provider and a major employer; however, we remain concerned about constructing two very expensive facilities in such proximity to each other. In fact, several other leading hospitals in this region have expressed a desire to be able to offer proton therapy for their patients at the Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center. Unfortunately, while an attempt to build a consensus for the construction of one center at the tech park was not viable, we still believe that is the best solution for the region.

Projects of this scale and significance do not happen overnight, they take time. However, NIU and NIPTRC are, and have been, moving forward as scheduled and any actions that could delay the development of this center would be most unfortunate for the people of Illinois.

Dennis Hastert

Former Speaker of the House

Robert J. Schillerstrom

Chairman, DuPage County Board

Peter Huizenga

Chairman, DuPage National Technology Park