CLC may gain millions in state cash

Grayslake-based College of Lake County stands to collect more than $53 million in state money to help fund two major construction projects.

Although optimistic the money will arrive, CLC board member Richard Anderson said Friday he realizes Gov. Pat Quinn must sign off on the state's $29 billion construction spending plan lawmakers approved this week. Part of the $29 billion would go to CLC.

CLC would receive $36 million to help erect a new building as part of its Lakeshore Campus in downtown Waukegan. CLC would provide roughly another $12 million from its coffers toward construction.

If built, said Anderson, the structure would span more than 100,000 square feet and offer classrooms, student services and a lecture hall suitable for community gatherings. He said the project has been long desired to bolster service in northeastern Lake County.

"As soon as the governor signs the bill," Anderson said, "I imagine we'll tell the architects to get going."

Lakeshore Campus is at Genesee and Madison streets in downtown Waukegan. CLC officials are negotiating with Waukegan for a site to accommodate the new structure, Anderson said, with a preference to locate adjacent to the existing Lakeshore building.

CLC's Grayslake campus is in store for $17.6 million in state money that would go toward construction of a new classroom building. It's estimated CLC would pay about $6 million for the project planned near the campus' technology building.

Anderson credited lobbyists hired by CLC and Lake County legislators in Springfield for having the school included in the construction spending plan that'll be fueled by revenue from video poker, increased vehicle fees and higher alcohol taxes.

Meanwhile, some Lake County mayors say they wouldn't object if some of the state construction cash flowed their way.

Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler said Republican state Rep. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein was given a list of ideas this week the village considers appropriate for a share of the pie.

"We've got some things with the David Adler Cultural Center, Cook Mansion, the civic center that need to be done," Weppler said. "We've got some streets, some sewer and water (projects). Our sewage treatment plant. There's some substantial things."

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said a third fire station could be built to help improve coverage in the village if it receives a chunk of state cash. Another worthwhile project would be flood prevention at Gurnee Grade School near the Des Plaines River, she said.