Ryan: $259,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $259,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $150,000 to the Raven Theatre Company for the interior construction of its newly acquired playhouse at Granville Avenue and Clark Street in the Edgewater community.

The construction will include two theatres - a 150 seat main stage and a 50 seat studio theatre, a small arts gallery for local artists, a lobby, dressing rooms and storage and office space. The new, larger theatre will enrich the cultural life of the Edgewater community. Contributions of $110,000 from local fund-raising and $80,000 from the Edgewater Development Corporation are being donated to this project.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Lisa Madigan, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to the South East Asia Center, to renovate its facility in order to provide enough space to help all immigrants in need of services.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago.

• $17,000 to the City of Chicago Police Department to implement and support the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program:
  
  • $5,000 to hire a facilitator and to print a resource guide and a research book.
    This project was initiated by State Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago.
    
  • $5,000 to purchase emergency identification bracelets for seniors and CAPS presentation pins.
    This project was initiated by Osterman.
    
  • $5,000 to purchase baseball caps with the CAPS logo and to print course booklets.
    This project was initiated by Ronen.
    
  • $2,000 to purchase a copier, laminator, ink cartridges and laminate materials.
    This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $15,000 to Northeastern Illinois University to demolish and prepare the site occupied by the Superintendent's Cottage for the construction of a Presidential Residence.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase classroom seating for Highland School.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $10,000 to Our Lady of Victory School to purchase and install a computer network.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Richard T. Bradley, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Northeastern Illinois University to demolish and prepare the site occupied by the Superintendent's Cottage for the construction of a Presidential Residence.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Joseph M. Lyons, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase four computers and a projector for Amundsen High School.
  This project was initiated by Osterman.

• $2,000 to UNITE to purchase and install 18 lamp post banners for the Irving Park neighborhood.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John A. Fritchey, D-Chicago.