Ryan: $1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $500,000 to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to construct a new facility at 67th and Cicero.

The current facility is 48 years old and in need of extensive infrastructure improvements. The new facility will double the number of people served and offer additional resources and programming to families, young people and senior citizens. More than $3.3 million is being contributed by corporate, foundation and individual donors.

This project was initiated by State Sen. Louis S. Viverito, D-Burbank.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $150,000 to Chicago State University to conduct an economic development and marketing study to determine the feasibility of providing distance learning to residents of Chicago's west side.

• $150,000 to South Central Community Services, Inc., to support its Day Treatment Therapeutic Day School and the "Starting Right" program.
  This project was initiated by Senate Democrat Leader Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago.

• $100,000 to Grand Crossing Tech Center, L.L.C., for predevelopment of a state-of-the art technology center on South Greenwood.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the South Side YMCA to construct a child development center at its facility. The organization is contributing $350,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.