#479371997 / gettyimages.com The University of Illinois received a capital investment of more than $2.1 million in mid October to renovate its Large Animal Veterinary Medicine Clinic. The investment is part of Governor Pat Quinn’s agenda to improve educational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward. “This facility has double benefit because it teaches veterinary medicine and offers a place for animal treatment,” Governor Quinn said. “By upgrading the clinic we can also create jobs to boost the local economy.” The project will improve many aspects of the clinic, including safety, according to Jonathan Foreman, DVM, associate dean of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “This project will allow us to complete renovation of that last portion of the Large Animal Clinic,” Dr. Foreman said. “Other portions have been renovated in the last several years at the college’s expense, but now the last ward, and parts of the other wards, will have safer stalls, safer footing and a more attractive appearance for clients and for those working in the spaces. Safety for patients and students will be improved.” Construction is expected to begin later this year with an anticipated completion date of 12-18 months. The investment is funded by the Governor’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years, according to the Illinois Government News Network. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation, it further noted.
