As a part of the Fiscal Year 2019 budget plan, two state facilities in the 59th Senate District will receive critical funding for repairs, updates and improvements on deferred maintenance projects.
“These recommended projects throughout the 59th District are high priority repairs needed to maintain critical state facilities serving the people and communities in this region,” said Senator Fowler (R-Harrisburg).
Funds will be allocated to the Anna Veterans’ Home and the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, both located in Anna, Illinois.
The Anna Veterans’ Home will receive $200,000 to replace the current 20-year-old nurse call system. As of now, the system requires continuous repairs and funding will be used to ensure a more reliable and functioning system is installed.
Meanwhile, the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center will receive $1,009,500 to repair, update and paint the existing water storage tower. Among evaluating the structure and ensuring the water tower is up to code and standards, funding will also be used to replace the existing access ladder, repair safety rails and bracing, clearing and repairing damage caused by rust and corrosion, and other critical needs to ensure the water tower continues to operate.
“These are updates and repairs that have been placed on the backburner in the past, but funding has now been appropriated to ensure that these fundamental repairs and projects do not continue to be neglected,” said Senator Fowler. “It’s encouraging to see appropriations being directed toward preserving and protecting our state facilities.”
“The bipartisan Fiscal Year 19 budget I signed in June includes funds for critically necessary improvements at state facilities across Illinois,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner. “Every dollar we are investing in these projects helps state government deliver better service to the residents of Illinois.”
In total, $400,000,000 was allocated in the Fiscal Year 2019 for deferred maintenance projects across the state.