$1.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago and Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,243,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in suburban Cook County, including $500,000 to the Chicago Department of Transportation to make intersection improvements at Avondale and Nina, at Raven, in Chicago.

The improvements will include the creation of additional parking spaces, new curbs, gutters and sidewalks, the installation of a water service and roadway resurfacing. These improvements will revitalize the commercial district and promote economic development.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated State Sen. Walter W. Dudycz, R-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $500,000 to the Chicago Transportation Department for ATA Airlines "Deployment of Intelligent Transportation System Technology to Facilitate Movements of Intermodal Freight" initiative.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to St. Julianna Church to make technology improvements at a new community center.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.

• $81,000 to the Charnley Persky House Museum Foundation to restore and repair flood damage and structural problems.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Lee A. Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

• $25,000 to the Norwegian Old People's Home Society to provide athletic/physical therapy equipment and for the salary of an exercise physiologist.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.

• $25,000 to the Norwood Park Home to purchase therapeutic physical therapy equipment.
  This project was initiated by Dudycz.

• $12,500 to Chicago Public Schools to replace lexan windows with glass at Edgebrook School.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.