MCLEANSBORO —- Hamilton County Unit 10 Superintendent Jeff Fetcho says work is underway to upgrade the athletic complex at Hamilton County Junior/Senior High School in McLeansboro.

Fetcho says the current facilities are anywhere from 50 to 60 years old and in need of serious renovations. One major safety concern that is being addressed is the visitor side bleachers and press box at the football field.

Fetcho says the bleachers on the visitor’s side have not passed inspection and the press box is in bad shape. So, the school board visited other facilities in order to get an idea of how to fix this problem.

Other improvements include sidewalks and walkways around the facilities, a drop off area for visiting teams, new locker rooms, a weight room, concession stands and restrooms.

As for the cost of this project, Fetcho says $2 million will be spent on the major work to the athletic complex. Other components like the parking lot, lighting and sidewalks are being paid for from coal mine revenue and money from the one percent sales tax the school district receives. Bidding for the project began in April and was approved by the school board in August.

Fetcho says the project is set to be finished by the end of next June.