RYAN: $257,500 in Illinois FIRST Projects For Suburban Cook County and Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $257,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in suburban Cook County, including $100,000 to the Broadview Park District to help improve facilities.

The grant will be used to replace windows and doors at the Beverly Community Center and to upgrade the heating and air conditioning systems. The district will contribute $87,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Village of Morton Grove to fund the second phase of an infrastructure improvement study of aging Dempster Avenue, a major business corridor.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ralph Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $37,500 to the Chicago Public Schools for computer and technology upgrades at two elementary schools - Stock and Garvey -- and the Beard Special Education Center.
  These projects were initiated by Capparelli and State Sen. Walter Dudycz, R-Chicago.

• $20,000 to Norwood Park Township to supplement a discount taxicab program for 700 seniors in the area. The township is contributing $35,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael McAuliffe, R-Chicago.