WHITTINGTON, Ill. (WJPF) — The State of Illinois is investing millions of dollars into the rehab and renovation of the Rend Lake Resort.

Governor JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that the long-awaited project will get begin in 2023 with an investment of more than $17.5 million. The funding will be used to renovate the conference center, restaurant, cabins, pool, and boatel.

“Rend Lake has been around for 50 years—and for that half-a-century, it has been a shining example of the rich history, the human ingenuity, and the values of sustainability that make Illinois special,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce that we will be investing more than $17 million to renovate Rend Lake Resort—restoring the site to its former glory. With this funding, we are strengthening our tourism industry, our economy, our recreational offerings, and our holistic and social wellbeing all in one.”

The Rend Lake Resort originally opened May 1991, and at its peak, drew 2.4 million visitors annually and employed over 100 staff members. After years of disrepair, the resort closed in 2016 after mold was discovered in the hotel and other buildings.