$987,500 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $987,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in suburban Cook County, including $250,000 to the City of Northlake to reconstruct Northwest Avenue.

The existing roadway is 25 years old and severely deteriorated. Construction will consist of new pavement and widening. Pipe underdrains will be installed for proper drainage and the traffic signal at Grand and Northwest avenues will be upgraded. The city is contributing $29,500.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Robert A. "Bob" Biggins, R-Elmhurst.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the Village of Hillside to purchase a new fire truck. The village is contributing $46,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Thomas J. Walsh, R-LaGrange Park.

• $200,000 to the South Berwyn School District #100 to relocate the administrative offices from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor at Irving School for security reasons.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William O'Connor, R-Riverside.

• $100,000 to the Village of Harwood Heights to make improvements to the sewer system. The village is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Walter W. Dudycz, R-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Norwood Park Historical Society to make driveway, parking and landscaping improvements at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House.
  This project was initiated by Dudycz.

• $30,000 to the Village of Niles Police Department to conduct a feasibility study for a new police station.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago and Dudycz.

• $15,000 to the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago to implement its "Invest in Illinois" project.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.

• $87,500 to the following Chicago Public Schools to make technology upgrades at various schools. The district is contributing $76,500.
  $25,000 to Onahan
  $25,000 to Ebinger
  $12,500 to Garvey
  $12,500 to Norwood Park
  $12,500 to Thorpe
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe, R-Chicago, Capparelli and Dudycz.

• $5,000 to the Norwood Park Garden Club to plant and maintain flowers throughout the Norwood Park community.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.