$7.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for DuPage County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $7,263,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in DuPage County, including three grants totaling $5 million for the expansion and renovation of York High School in Elmhurst.

The project will consist of a new wing of classrooms which will include computer labs, modernized science labs, enlarged art areas and flexible forum rooms for large group activities. Phase II will consist of enclosing the courtyard to accommodate a larger cafeteria and commons area. An older portion of the building will be demolished to house an athletic facility. The district is contributing $72 million. This project received three Illinois FIRST grants:

• a $3 million allocation sponsored by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels of Elmhurst;

• a $1 million allocation sponsored by State Rep. Robert Biggins, R-Elmhurst;

• a $1 million allocation sponsored by State Rep. James B. Durkin, R-Westchester.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $1,000,000 to Benedictine University to construct Kindlon Hall of Learning, Brick Hall of Science and to renovate Scholl Science Center and Lownik Library. The University is contributing $2,700,000.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $750,000 to the Village of Roselle to construct a bike and pedestrian bridge over Lake Street.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Carole Pankau, R-Roselle.

• 30,000 to the Village of North Riverside to purchase a fully equipped ambulance. The village is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Thomas D. Walsh, R-LaGrange Park.

• $100,000 to the Proviso Council on Aging to purchase a new wheelchair lift and construct a three bay garage.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $70,000 to Sarah's Inn, a nonprofit organization for second-stage housing, to renovate four apartments and install security systems. The organization is contributing $14,000
  This project was initiated by Durkin.

• $65,000 to the Village of Westmont to engineer and construct aesthetic pedestrian lighting and signage to enhance the appearance of downtown Westmont.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale.

• $50,000 to the DuPage County Area Project to purchase a new van and a used 15 passenger van as well as insurance coverage for the vehicles.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Doris C. Karpiel, R-Carol Stream.

• $40,000 to the Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society, Inc., to prepare and paint the Maple Street Chapel.
  This project was initiated by Senate President James "Pate" Phillip, R-Wood Dale.