On July 13, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a collection of bills dubbed the “Illinois Jobs Now!” plan. Contained within these bills were funds to support capital projects at the University of Illinois, including partial funding for the construction of the new ECE building.

“This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what’s needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs,” said the governor in a press release. “‘Illinois Jobs Now!’ provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities.”

Among these state funds, $47.5 million is designated for use towards the construction of the new ECE building at Illinois. This amount is half of the $95 million total project budget approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.