Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) has introduced legislation that would allow the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Danville to complete a mutually beneficial land transfer with Danville Area Community College (DACC).
The swap would provide much-needed property to the Danville VA to upgrade its facility, while DACC would assume ownership of the VA library which it has plans to renovate.
“This is a pretty simple, commonsense bill,” Shimkus said. “The VA would get the land they need to consolidate their property and build a straight fence line, and they would no longer have to maintain an aging library. The college would get the land they want with the library on it that they would then be able to renovate. It’s a win-win.”
DACC President
Alice Marie Jacobs said the property exchange would allow space for expansion for the performing and visual arts as well as additional conference space. She expressed appreciation to Shimkus for working with both the college and the VA for the property exchange, which she agreed benefits both organizations.
Shimkus has represented Illinois’ 15th District in the House of Representatives since 1997.