State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, has convinced Gov. Pat Quinn to redirect $1 million of state capital funding to help entice Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to build a third campus in Rockford.
Syverson worked with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to shift the funds, which had been reserved for a local charter school project that has been cancelled.
Embry-Riddle, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., is deciding where to build its third residential campus. Rockford and Houston, Texas are the finalists.
“In the capital plan passed two years ago, a portion of capital funding was directed toward education-related projects around the state – some of those projects that have since been cancelled,” Syverson said in a statement.
“I was able to redirect $1 million from those canceled projects to the Embry Riddle project, which will be an additional boost for Rockford’s chances at securing the campus.”
Syverson said Embry-Riddle would be a “game changer” for Rockford, adding hundreds of direct jobs an thousands more jobs indirectly because the campus would boost Rockford’s aeorspace industries.
“Part of the reason we were able to redirect this funding was the enormous economic benefit it would bring to northern Illinois,” Syverson said. “But in addition to that, my job was made easier because the way the entire community has rallied behind the project and sacrificed to make it happen. State leaders have been very impressed once again with way the “Rockford Team” has so professionally put together this plan.”
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council is coordinating the community-wide effort to bring Embry-Riddle to the Forest City.
While I do support Embry-Riddle coming to Rockford, this State is broke. Tell me, who isn’t going to get paid, in order to fund this “gift”?
Great work Dave, keep it up!!
Let’s get real. $1M is not going to be a game changer. If we were talking $100M, then I’d agree it might sway Embry. But $1M won’t even build you 4 houses….and this is a capital investment?
Embry would have to be seriously swayed to Rockford when it has Houston as the other option. Weather for flying is significantly better in TX–just look at where the Air Force locates all of its pilot training bases: in the south. Weather is lousy up here in Northern IL about 6 months out of the year. It’s goingt to take significantly more than $1M to change their minds.
This article reminds me of when Rep Manzullo put out a press release last fall saying that he was “bringing jobs to Rockford” because of a GE plant closure in China. When you read the fine print, his PR staffers actually said that the “plant” size was like 4 people large….4 people. Absolutelyl ridiculous…and embarrassing that his staff was touting that as a win.
By the way…Where is Rep Manzullo on this issue? I haven’t heard one word of support from him or our 2 US Senators on this–why aren’t they beating the drum?