MATTOON - Lake Land College nailed down $15.6 million in construction funding from the state for two capital development projects on the campus, the Capital Development Board executive director announced earlier this week.

That is a big chunk of the $23.5 million dedicated to Central Illinois projects approved for release by Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich. The money is part of the Opportunity Returns economic development program of the governor's office. Local money will increase the construction funding for Lake Land to more than $20 million.

"These expansions will offer the latest training in agriculture for area farmers. It will boost the local economy by providing construction jobs and more in job training. And it will make Lake Land College a better place to learn," said Jan Grimes, Capital Development Board executive director, who came to Lake Land College on behalf of the governor on Tuesday.

Lake Land officials have lobbied for nearly three years for release of capital development money from state coffers to start the expansions, especially with the record increases in enrollment. Lake Land is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the country so it needs more room to meet student needs.

"We are appreciative of the governor for taking this action and for understanding our desperate need for additional space due to our dramatic increases in student enrollment at Lake Land College," said college President Robert Luther. "These projects will have a tremendous impact on Mattoon and Coles County for years to come."

In all, the expansions will add 111,500 square feet to the campus in coming years. Architectural drawings were on display showing different aspects of the construction work ahead for Lake Land.

The 60,000 square-foot, multistory addition to the Student Services Center will include office, study and library services and will help expand continuing education programs. The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems also will be upgraded to accommodate the addition.

The 51,500 square-foot additions to the West Classroom Building will house the Technology Center and Agricultural Industrial Center and will include laboratories, classrooms, as well as office and storage space. The Center will bring Lake Land's technology programs under one roof and will free up space to expand the College's allied health programs.

The expansions will also provide new curricula and improve the training programs for area businesses and industry as well as provide new space for agriculture-related workshops and for helping area farmers learn how to develop new niches, specialty crops and increase profitability.

Herb Meeker can be reached at hmeeker@;jg-tc.com or 238-6869.