$4.5 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD - - Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $4.503 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $1.5 million to the Chicago Partnership for Economic Development to assist Central City Studios, L.L.C. to develop and construct a new production complex on a twenty-one acre site, in the Lawndale neighborhood.

Film and television production sound stages and related support facilities will be constructed. The facility will be the home of The Black Family Television Network and Central City Productions, two high employment cable network production companies. The facility will create 440 full and part-time jobs for community residents and will include job training.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, D-Chicago and Senate Minority Leader Emil Jones, Jr., D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $1.1 million to the Historic Pullman Foundation to construct and rehab the National Historic Landmark known as Pullman Market Hall.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $750,000 to the Lawndale Christian Health Center to renovate and expand its facilities and parking area at West Ogden Avenue.

• $500,000 to the Golden Apple Foundation to implement the Golden Apple Teacher Education program, an alternative teacher certification pathway for men and women with college degrees seeking careers as teachers.

• $133,000 to Harrison Park to purchase and install an air conditioning system in its field house at South Wood Street.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $75,000 to West Town Leadership United to support organizing work in the West Town/Humboldt Park neighborhoods.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Miguel del Valle, D-Chicago.

• $60,000 to the Chicago Commons Emerson House to implement it Nuevos Futuros program. The city is contributing $12,000.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to the Duncan YMCA to purchase and install two rooftop heating and air conditioning units at its West Roosevelt Road building.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Shirley M. Jones, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the McKinley Park Civic Association to provide educational and recreational activities for youth and seniors on fixed incomes.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $50,000 to the South Chicago YMCA to construct a child care facility in its building.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $45,000 to the Chicago Youth Centers to purchase equipment for its youth bicycling program and to develop a library, reading room and new dance floor at its Rebecca Crown Center.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago and Trotter.

• $35,000 to the Boy Scouts of America to purchase supplies for its Scout Reach program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Howard A. Kenner, D-Chicago.

• $35,000 to Community Human Services, Inc. to support its youth mentoring and counseling program, "Exodus to Excellence".
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Lovana S. "Lou" Jones, D-Chicago and State Rep. Constance A. "Connie" Howard, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council to purchase materials for its Cultural Fine Arts program and uniforms for its sports program.
  This program was initiated by Munoz.

• $25,000 to the Haymarket Center to implement a new computer system. The center is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Sullivan, R-Mt. Prospect.

• $25,000 to the Miracle Temple Faith Church to provide educational and motivational resources to its Candace Rose Community Youth Development services. The church is contributing $10,692.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to Malcolm X College to resurface the playground for its childcare center.
  This project was initiated by S. Jones.

• $15,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computers, equipment and supplies at Parkside Community Academy, Altgeld and Woodlawn schools.
  These projects were initiated by Obama.