Brookfield Zoo Gets $15.6 Million in State Funds

Brookfield, ILL - The money for the zoo, 15.6 million, is part the multi-billion dollar capital improvement bill Governor Pat Quinn signed 6 months ago. Underneath the camels, behind the big cats, Quinn says the 75 year old zoo is in bad need of repair. "This is the number one tourist attraction in our State." To keep the economic engine running, Quinn says it's time for an investment that will help avoid layoffs, continue conservation and create jobs. Quinn says jobs are the key to reviving the state's economy. "We have to make things better for our kids." Mom, Shay Redfield agrees. "It's great." Redfield says not only does the zoo benefit her son, Kino, but the revenue from them being at the zoo cycles right back into the state. Some critics might say why give the money to the zoo and not give the money for roads or for schools or for bridges first? Zoo worker, Amy Hanson says, "Well this will create a lot of jobs not only in the zoo but for construction and bring companies in from the outside to do work." Governor Quinn says this project is just one of many statewide investments planned under the 31 billion dollar capital improvement program. It's expected to create more than 400 thousand jobs over the next 6 years. The Brookfield zoo opened in 1934 and much of its infrastructure has never been replaced. 370 construction jobs will be created for repairs and upgrades with this money from the state.