Scott Fitzgerald: “reviewing again the proposed Abraham Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL, I emphasize the magnitude of the project. It is…”

“reviewing again the proposed Abraham Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL, I emphasize the magnitude of the project. It is a proposed $120 million project. It started as a $40 million project, went up to $60 million, and now it is at $120 million. At one time, it was up to $140 million. Reviewing the cost of other important buildings in the city of Springfield, the estimated cost, adjusted for inflation: The State capitol building built in 1868 to 1888, $70 million. The Willard Ice Building, I believe for the State Department of Revenue, a very large State office building built in 1981 to 1984, took 3 years to construct, $70 million; The Prairie Capitol Convention Center, a large convention center, built in 1975 to 1979, $60 million. This Abraham Lincoln Library will be one of the largest, most important buildings in the city of Springfield. I am supporting the project. However, I want the city of Springfield to get a $120 million library out of the project, not a $50 million library that just happens to cost $120 million. It is for that reason I have tried, and the Senate has tried, to insist that the project be competitively bid.”