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More Money for WIU in the QC

Herb Trix

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Friday announced state help for the next phase of Western Illinois University's riverfront campus in Moline.

Quinn said the state will pay $5 million for the design of Phase Three, which is an 85,000 square foot building with classrooms, laboratories, and offices. 

“Illinois created more jobs in the last month than any other state in the union except Texas,” said Quinn. 

“We’re really moving, and we gotta keep on moving. We’ve got to keep that momentum going. And that’s why investing in higher education is so important.”

The governor helped dedicate Phase One two years ago - it cost $18 million.  He returned for the dedication of Phase Two last month  - it cost $42 million.

WIU President Jack Thomas thanked Quinn for being such a good friend of the university. 

“This investment in our university and the community means enhanced opportunities for the residents of the Quad Cities and surrounding areas as well as the businesses and industries in this region,” said Thomas.

University architect Bill Brewer said that thanks to the state help, the Phase Three building will be designed next year and construction could start early in 2016.