$1 Million Illinois FIRST Projects for South Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the South Suburbs, including $200,000 to the Village of Crestwood to reconstruct Long Avenue from 137th Street to 135th Street.

Children going to and from Nathan Hale Elementary School use the busy street. This project would eliminate the narrow shoulder and the existing drainage ditch, making the area safer for pedestrians as well as motorists.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $150,000 to the Village of Blue Island
to fund improvements at the Fire Station and 911 Center/City Council Building.
This project was initiated by State Rep. James D. Brosnahan, D-Evergreen Park.
• $100,000 to the Family Health Society of Chicago Heights to renovate and repair an existing building used for servicing the needs of uninsured and underinsured community residents. The society is contributing $116,600.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete.

• $100,000 to Frankfort Square Park District to purchase and install playground equipment at Odyssey Park in Tinley Park and to purchase basketball equipment for Indian Trail School in Frankfort.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox.

• $70,000 to the Blue Island Recreation Center to purchase equipment for, and to make improvements to it recreational facility.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harold Murphy, D-Markham.

• $65,000 to the Governors State University Center for Performing Arts to purchase and install an acoustical shell for its stage. The center will contribute $27,285.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. George F. Scully, Jr., D-Flossmoor.

• $50,000 to the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association to fund Phase III of the South Suburban Stormwater Strategy: A Plan for Watershed Management project.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.

• $25,000 to the Hodgkins Park District to purchase a 31-pasenger bus that will be used by the park district, the village and its police department. The park district will contribute $30,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Eileen Lyons, R-Western Springs.

• $25,000 to the Bethlehem Community Development Corporation to provide manpower and supplies for an 8-week summer camp sponsored by the Bethlehem Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
  This project was initiated by Murphy.

• $21,000 to the Chicago Heights Leadership Council to prepare a land survey and a conceptual site plan for the potential revitalization of property sites in downtown Chicago Heights.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $20,000 to SPEED Special Education Joint Agreement 802 in Park Forest to purchase playground equipment for its Hickory Hills Early Learning Center. The group will contribute $60,000.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.

• $20,000 to Cornerstone Services, Inc. of Joliet to renovate its facility and to improve the delivery of developmental training to disabled persons.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $20,000 to the Matteson Public Library to allow its patrons access to the internet and other electronic information sources.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $20,000 to the Mokena Community Public Library to purchase and install 16 computers and monitors with network interface cards.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $20,000 to Rich Township High School District 227 in Olympia Fields to purchase computer hardware that will support its curriculum.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $20,000 to the PLOWS Council on Aging in Palos Heights to purchase office equipment and a phone system for its new building.
  This project was initiated by Brosnahan and Crotty.

• $15,000 to Outreach Church of God in Christ of Harvey to purchase a bus to supply transportation for its seniors and children. The church will contribute $17,000.
  This project was initiated by Murphy.

• $15,000 to the Markham Police Department to purchase bulletproof vests.
  This project was initiated by Murphy.

• $10,000 to Flossmoor School District 223 to upgrade the wiring of its computer network.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $8,000 to South Suburban Training and Rehabilitation in Chicago Heights to purchase furnishings and exercise/recreation equipment for its training center annex. The group will contribute $432,500.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $5,000 to the Evergreen Park Police Department to fund three D.A.R. E. police officers who will present programs in two area school districts.
  This project was initiated by Brosnahan.

• $5,000 to the Palos Park Public Library to purchase and install a computer security system that will monitor and protect the on-line traffic to and from its automated system.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.