Ryan: $1.4 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.4 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $590,000 to the Chicago Park District to develop and construct a new city park on 79th Street between Throop and Ada Streets.

The park will include landscaping, floral gardens, walkways, a fountain and a sculpture and will be used by older residents as well as children. The park district will contribute $900,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $300,000 to the City of Chicago to construct a monument to commemorate the Haymarket tragedy near the intersection of Randolph and DesPlaines Streets. The city will contribute $980,000.
  This project was initiated by Senate Democratic Leader Emil Jones, Jr., D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Chicago Park District to build a 400 meter 8-lane competitive running track that will meet NCAA regulations. The park district will contribute $805,000.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $100,000 to the Museum of Science and Industry to design, fabricate and install a an exhibit on the scientific concept of "time." The museum will contribute $1.3 million.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $60,000 to Chicago State University to conduct primary research on the history and culture of Senegal and the Gambia.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Constance A. "Connie" Howard, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Village of Burnham to install a new traffic signal at 142nd Street and Burnham Avenue. The village will contribute $50,000.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $50,000 to the University of Chicago to fund technology training for ten Chicago Public School teachers at its Internet Project's Web Institute for Teachers.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago and Obama.

• $25,000 to the South Shore Drill Team to purchase uniforms, shoes and performance equipment.
  This project was initiated by Currie.

• $25,000 to the Coalition for Improved Education in South Shore to pay for trainers and equipment for professional technology-based workshops for elementary school teachers. The coalition will contribute $250,000.
  This project was initiated by Currie.

• $20,000 to the Chicago Park District to purchase and install playground equipment at Kenwood Park. This project was initiated by Currie.

• $15,000 to the Hyde Park Art Center to sponsor a feasibility study to determine potential sites for facility expansion and determine a long-term programmatic vision.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $15,000 to the Marquette Development Center to hire a full-time project coordinator and a full-time administrative assistant for its employment and training services. The center will contribute $18,750.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $15,000 to the South Shore Planning and Preservation Coalition to create, produce and distribute a directory of local services for the South Shore community. The coalition will contribute $15,000.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $15,000 to CPS to purchase computer equipment, instructional materials and software at Wentworth School, Black Branch Magnet School and Hinton Elementary School.
  These projects were initiated by Obama.

• $10,000 to CPS to purchase security phones, supplies for after-school programs and bus transportation for field trips at Robeson High School.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $10,000 to CPS to establish an on-site resource center for use by the students and local community at Orville T. Bright Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $10,000 to the HELP Program to establish a tutoring program in reading.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to the Shoesmith Local School Council to provide a 30-week comprehensive structured curriculum in general music for students in grades four and five.
  This project was initiated by Currie.