Ryan: $90,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Lake County and the Northwest Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $90,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Lake County and the Northwest Suburbs, including $75,000 to the Northeastern Illinois Jr. Golf Alliance, Inc., to construct a golf learning facility for low-income students in North Chicago.

The grant will be used to construct a driving range and instructional areas at the First Tee Jr. Golf Academy in North Chicago. The program helps 500 students aged three to 17 learn golf and the "life building skills" that go along with the game -- honesty, integrity, fair play, sportsmanship and communication. The City of North Chicago is contributing $20,000 to the project.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Terry Link, D-Vernon Hills.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $10,000 to the Center of Concern, Park Ridge, to purchase a copy machine and to upgrade its telephone system.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Sullivan, R-Mt. Prospect.

• $5,000 to the Highland Park Community Nursery School & Day Care to subsidize the enrollment of low income families into its child care program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Karen May, D-Highland Park.