Ryan: $1.3 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.336 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $1.2 million to construct a swimming pool at Wolf Lake within the William W. Powers State Park.

A survey conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources found swimming to be one of the most requested recreational opportunities desired by the public. The pool will provide a safe and enjoyable swimming facility for a highly populated location of the state.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $46,000 to the Beverly Arts Center to support an educational outreach program based on the work of William Shakespeare.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas J. Dart, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to the Murray Language Academy to purchase computers and related technology equipment.
  This project was initiated by Trotter.

• $10,000 to the Fund for Community Redevelopment & Revitalization to support the hiring of a Law Enforcement Coordinator.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Fund for Community Redevelopment & Revitalization to support the hiring of a Law Enforcement Coordinator.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Brand New Beginnings to support a city-wide seminar on prostitution and homelessness.
  This project was initiated by Dart.

• $10,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase student handbooks and workbooks for Harper High School.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Charles Morrow III, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Minority Health Association to support four conference/forums and four workshops.
  This project was initiated by Trotter.

• $5,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase a security system to monitor the halls at Deneen Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Morrow.

• $5,000 to the American Majestic Eagles Youth Business Training Program, Inc., to support a community-based computer learning center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Constance "Connie" Howard, D-Chicago.