NIU President John LaTourette announced at a press conference Tuesday the establishment of the Northern Illinois University Engineering Park on the property of the former Wurlitzer Corp. just outside city limits.

An appropriations bill sponsored by Illinois Rep. John Countryman, R-DeKalb, was approved by the General Assembly last Friday. The Bill alots $1.2 million in state funds for he acquisition, restoration and remodeling of the Wurlitzer facility on Gurler Road.

LaTourette said the research park will anchor the east-west High-Tech Corridor and provide tremendous cooperative education opportunities for students.

Though the General Assembly approved the bill, Gov. James Thompson has yet to sign it. Countryman said he expected the governor will sign the bill.

The money will be appropriated through the Capital Development Board.

“We’re not assured the governor will sign the bill, but I’m continuing to lobby for it,” Countryman said.

Thompson’s press secretary, David Fields, said the governor will not know whether he will sign the bill until he receives the capital budget. “Once he receives the information from the capital bureau, he’ll make a decision within six-to-seven days,” Fields said.

LaTourette said the purchase price is $400,000 and the remainder of the money will be divided between restoration and remodeling.

An additional $380,000 was obtained through pledges from the private sector. LaTouette thanked those who are supporting the project.