Gov. Jim Edgar will visit NIU today to make an announcement about “a major project.”

A representative from Edgar’s press office told The Northern Star late Friday afternoon that Edgar would make an announcement about “a major project” at noon in the Heritage Room of the Holmes Student Center. However, Edgar’s office refused to reveal specifics about the announcement.

NIU and state officials refused to comment on Edgar’s announcement. Rep. Brad Burzynski, R-Sycamore, Tom Montiegel, NIU vice president for university relations, and Bob Woggon, NIU director of public information, all said they could not comment because of orders from Edgar’s office.

NIU President John La Tourette could not be reached for comment.

Edgar might be announcing the release of money for a variety of NIU projects, including funds for the construction of the Faraday II building.

Funds for the proposed $21 million science building have been frozen since last January when Edgar put a freeze on all state capital improvement projects.

NIU held a groundbreaking ceremony for the building in May 1990. If Edgar releases the money, Faraday II will be the first major state-funded building at NIU since Founders Memorial Library in 1973.