Ryan: $388,500 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago's Southwest Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $388,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects for Chicago's southwest suburbs, including $104,000 to Little Friends, Inc. for building repairs at various facilities.

Little Friends provides various services to those with developmental disabilities, autism and teens with emotional difficulties. The grant will be used to repair a residence for the disabled, a vocational center and other facilities for young people.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Mary Lou Cowlishaw, R-Naperville.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Village of Channahon to extend a water main under Interstate 55 to provide utility services to an area where development is anticipated.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Cross, R-Yorkville.

• $64,350 to the City of Batavia to purchase a thermal imaging camera that allows firefighters to see victims through smoke and darkness, and to fund a portion of a new regional fire training facility.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Timothy Schmitz, R-Batavia.

• $25,600 to the City of St. Charles to help renovate the municipal building's heating and air conditioning system. The city is contributing $331,260.
  This project was initiated by Schmitz.

• $25,000 to CASA of Kendall County to supplement the training services of volunteer advocates who are appointed by the court to aid abused and neglected children.
  This project was initiated by Cross.

• $22,275 to the Village of North Aurora to purchase laptop computers, video cameras and a radar unit for the police department.
  This project was initiated by Schmitz.

• $22,275 to the Village of North Aurora to help purchase property that will be used as a hazardous material training facility.
  This project was initiated by Schmitz.

• $20,000 to Oswego High School to buy heart monitors for use by at-risk students.
  This project was initiated by Cross.

• $5,000 to Aurora Christian Health Services to supplement the services of the Spruce Street Clinic, which serves low-income families in the area.
  This project was initiated by Schmitz.