EIU Media Relations

Capital Development Board releases funds supporting EIU’s new science building

University officials celebrate state’s “Rebuild Illinois’ initiative, $11.8 million in initial project funding

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University officials learned yesterday that the State of Illinois has released more than $11.8 million in planning funds to facilitate the development of the university’s long-awaited new science building.

EIU President Dr. David Glassman shared the news with members of EIU’s board of trustees during their regular January meeting today, expressing his immense gratitude to Governor Pritzker, his administration, and to the Illinois General Assembly for supporting the Capital Program bill responsible for funding the project.

“I want to publicly thank Governor Pritzker’s office, the ‘Rebuild Illinois’ initiative, and the Illinois legislature for their vigorous commitment to higher education, and for actionably supporting Eastern Illinois University’s mission by releasing funds for this critical project,” Glassman said. “We’re excited to begin bringing our vision to fruition, and to seeing the extraordinary impact this new facility will have on our students, faculty, and community.”

Illinois’ Capital Program Bill was approved in June, and is intended to provide essential support for construction and renovation projects across the state. The approved bill is structured to provide $45 billion to state entities over the next six years, earning high praise from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for improving Illinois’ economic future and for the substantial bipartisan support that helped the bill become law.

For Eastern, the approved bill will eventually provide a total of $119 million for its new science building. EIU officials were delighted to hear today’s news that $11.8 million of those funds are being released by the Capital Development Board, allowing EIU to begin seeking external bids, procuring contracts, and requesting initial architectural renderings of the future facility.  

For more information about EIU, or to learn more about its growing assortment of programs and services, visit the university’s website at www.eiu.edu