$300,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for the Northwest Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $300,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Northwest Suburbs, including $100,000 to the Village of Hoffman Estates Police Department.

The grant will be used to purchase and install in-squad car video systems for 20 cars. The equipment will enable the police to document traffic violations and reduce the time required for investigating complaints by providing documentation on tape.

This project was initiated by State Rep. Terry R. Parke, R-Hoffman Estates.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $70,000 to Elk Grove Township to purchase a handicapped accessible bus for senior citizens and to build a garage for bus storage.
  This project was initiated by Parke.

• $50,000 to the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for costs associated with operating the victim advocacy program.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

• $50,000 to the Village of Mount Prospect to renovate the Old General Store.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Sullivan, R-Mt. Prospect.

• $20,000 to the Evanston Chamber of Commerce for market research and legal services.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Kathleen K. Parker, R-Northbrook.

• $10,000 to the North Suburban Special Education District to purchase technology equipment.
  This project was initiated by Parker.