Projects will Improve a Rest Area and Replace Correctional Center Roof

ROCK ISLAND - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $766,000 to renovate a correctional center and a rest area in the Quad Cities. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's commitment to creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"State facilities must be repaired and maintained to better serve the public and protect the state's investment in these properties," Governor Quinn said. "The projects will also employ a number of construction workers, which will drive local economies forward."

Both projects will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

The roofs will be replaced on the Garage/Grounds and Laundry Buildings at the East Moline Correctional Center. The general construction contract was awarded to Sterling Commercial Roofing, Inc. of Sterling, the lower of two bidders at $606,600. The ventilation contract was awarded to the lower of two bidders, Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning Co. of Freeport,  for $44,400. The center is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Another project involves the Mississippi Rapids Rest Area operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation along Interstate 80 just east of the Mississippi River. The facility's wooden walkway rails, deck, supporting wood and concrete structure, and drainage will be repaired or replaced for $115,250 by CPI of the Midwest, Inc. of Rock Island.

"Both the rest area and the correctional center project are using local businesses that support the community and ensure jobs stay in the 36th District," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said.

"Continued investment in our state's infrastructure will foster a strong foundation for the future while keeping people at work," State Representative Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) said. "Our local economy depends heavily on the jobs provided by the East Moline Correctional Center. Keeping this and other state facilities up-to-date will go a long ways towards making workplaces safer for employees and ensuring that these jobs remain here for years to come."

The projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

Governor's Council on National Service in Iowa created by Executive Order

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed Executive Order 84, which creates the Governor's Council on National Service in Iowa.

Being led by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, the Governor's Council on National Service in Iowa includes leaders from state agencies, higher education, and the private sector to make recommendations on how to expand national service for Iowans to more efficiently and effectively carryout the work of government and engage a new generation of Iowans.

"It is critical we engage more people in service to our country to have a stake in its future," said Branstad. "Building the investment and ownership in our communities through civic engagement will pay dividends immediately and for generations to come."

The Governor's Council on National Service in Iowa will complement the national initiative, the Franklin Project, which is working to renew citizenship in the country. General Stanley McCrystal has been leading the charge as chair of the Franklin Project Leadership Council.

Franklin Project is working on developing a national online technology platform, creating a national service certification system, and pushing for significant increases in the number of one-year national service opportunities in the country.

"Volunteer service will not only transform the lives of the individuals who serve, but it will help meet critical community needs, instill a sense of civic duty in Iowans, build leadership skills, and foster a greater sense of giving back," said Lt. Governor Reynolds.

As part of the announcement, Drake University announced plans to develop a national service program to provide students a post-graduate experience serving at Des Moines area nonprofits.

One example of private sector involvement:  MidAmerican Energy provides funding for five national service Green Iowa AmeriCorps members in partnership with the Center on Sustainable Communities and the City of Des Moines to help homeowners learn about weatherization and energy audits.

"Iowa's proud tradition of neighbor helping neighbor will become even stronger thanks to this bold step to expand national service and volunteer opportunities in Iowa," said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other national service programs." I salute Governor Branstad and the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service for their leadership in establishing this first-in-the nation Governor's Council, which builds on our work to grow national service through the President's Task Force on Expanding National Service."

The Council aligns with the Branstad-Reynolds administration's goal of making Iowa a volunteering leader.  In his inaugural address Branstad said, "Let us all renew our commitment to get involved: help the homeless, feed the hungry, minister to the sick, pray for the wayward. To make each of our communities better by stepping up and stepping out. And to those who are most fortunate, we bear a special responsibility to extend the ladder of opportunity to those in need."

The following is the text of Executive Order 84:

Executive Order Number Eighty-four

WHEREAS, volunteerism and service is an integral part to Iowa's future and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Iowans are dedicated to making a difference in both their local communities and throughout the country through service and volunteering as demonstrated by the more than 79.8 million hours volunteered in 2012; and

WHEREAS, applications from individuals seeking to participate in national service programs far exceed the number of available positions and by creating new partnerships that expand national service opportunities in areas aligned with agency missions, volunteers can both impact those they serve and develop skills that will enable the volunteers to help prepare them for long-term careers and build a pipeline to employment; and

WHEREAS, the demand for young people to serve our country is strong.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, declare that volunteerism is an integral part to Iowa's future and well-being. I hereby order the creation of the Governor's Council on National Service in Iowa ("Council").

1. Purpose:  The Council shall make recommendations on how to expand volunteer opportunities and national service for Iowans both here in Iowa and across the country.

2. Organization:  The Council shall be composed of members appointed by the Governor.  Each member will serve at the pleasure of the Governor without compensation and in an advisory capacity.  The Governor shall select the chair and co-chair from the council members.

3. Council:  Members of the Council shall include the following members appointed by the Governor:
   1. Executive Director of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service
   2. Representatives from private businesses
   3. Representatives from private foundations or charities
   4. Representatives from State Government
   5. Representatives from local government
   6. Representatives from preschool, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education
   7. Representatives of private employers who hire job candidates with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills
   8. Representatives from the faith community
   9. A representative from the Corporation for National and Community Service
   10. Any other individuals that the Governor may appoint.

4. Goals: The Council shall have the following objectives:
   1. Identify existing and new policies or practices that support the expansion of national service opportunities in Iowa; and
   2. Facilitate and identify opportunities for interagency agreements between the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and other State departments, local governments, school district or other subdivisions of the State to support the expansion of national service in Iowa and help agencies meet their mission efficiently and effectively; and
   3. Develop new public/private partnerships to support the expansion of national service in Iowa and help agencies meet their mission; and
   4. Use technology to facilitate the certification of qualified nonprofits, public agencies, and social enterprises to create national service opportunities, recruit and retain service members; and
   5. Reach other goals and objectives as requested by the Office of the Governor.

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service shall provide staff support to the Council, as needed, to enable the Council to fulfill its responsibilities.  The Council's meeting shall be open pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 21.

All agencies, departments and boards of the State of Iowa shall cooperate fully with the Council.  The Council may seek the expertise and services of individuals and entities outside its membership for research, advice and other needs, as required to accomplish its mission. The Council shall report its preliminary findings and make them available to the public no later than July 1, 2014.    The Council shall report its final recommendations and findings no later than February 1, 2015 and dissolve on February 1, 2015 or upon the date of completion of the work described herein, whichever is sooner.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HERE­UNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.  DONE AT DES MOINES THIS
17^TH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN.

__________________________________

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

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About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

DAVENPORT, IA?Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents' Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Facilities closed include :

·    Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Avenue, Davenport
·    Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Avenue, Davenport
·    Scott Area Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
·    Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th Street, Davenport

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.