Governor Ryan: $1,809,780 in Illinois FIRST Projects for South Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,809,780 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the South Suburbs, including $390,500 to the Village of Dolton to convert a vacant lot into a small municipal park. Completion of this project, which includes the construction of a fountain, will enhance the beauty of the village hall and its surroundings.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Bill Shaw, D-Dolton.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $300,000 to the Village of Homewood to develop its Southgate TIF district, currently a dilapidated shopping area.

• $200,000 to the City of Country Club Hills to construct a new outdoor amphitheater, arboretum and parking lot.

• $175,000 to the Greater Momence Fire Protection District to purchase a fire truck and specialized life safety equipment.

• $170,000 to the Village of Orland Park to purchase a new truck for snow plowing and maintenance operations.

• $100,000 to the Village of Midlothian to purchase and install a generator in its pump station.

• $75,000 to the Phoenix Perth Institute for a leadership training and skill development program for people with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. James Brosnahan, D-Oak Lawn.

• $65,000 to the Park Forest Public Library to construct and install an ADA compliant public elevator. The library will contribute $44,500.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. George Scully, D-Park Forest.

• $60,000 to the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District to make various improvements at Lions Park, Orchard Park and Apollo Park.

• $60,000 to the Village of Hazel Crest to replace the roof at its municipal center.

• $46,000 to the Village of Steger to purchase fire equipment and a noise reduction system for its community center.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $32,000 to the Grand Prairie Public Library to purchase and install new carpeting.

• $25,000 to the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force to pay for various utility costs and to lease a state-of the-art "call out" system.

• $25,000 to the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn to refurbish and improve the exterior of its facility.

• $25,000 to the Village of Chicago Ridge to purchase and install an electronic messaging unit for its municipal complex.

• $19,280 to Sauk Village School District 168 to purchase computers for Wagoner School.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $15,000 to the Flossmoor Public Library to design an expansion of its building.

• $11,000 to St. Mark Medical Center in Harvey to help offset costs associated with their programs for uninsured and underinsured clients.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harold Murphy, D-Markham.

• $6,000 to the Worth Park District to purchase and erect six flag poles at its Veterans' Memorial Park.

• $5,000 to the Flossmoor Police Department to fund its D.A.R.E. program in four area elementary schools.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $5,000 to VFW Memorial Post 4861 to develop unknown soldier grave sites at Oak Hills Cemetery in Palos Park.