Ryan: $1.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for South Suburbs of Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.1 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago's southern suburbs, including $250,000 to the city of Oak Lawn for repairs to 10 streets.

The work includes resurfacing and curb repair on 51st Avenue, 97th Street, Sproat Avenue, Oak Park Avenue, Kildare Avenue, LeClaire Avenue, Kimball Avenue, Kolin Avenue, Adeline Avenue and Lavergne Avenue.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. James Brosnahan, D-Oak Lawn.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the Village of Crestwood for an engineering study of the reconstruction and expansion of 50-year-old Cal-Sag Road and the intersection of Cal-Sag with 135th Street.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Maggie Crotty, D-Oak Forest.

• $150,000 to the Village of East Hazel Crest to help buy property on 171st Street in order to construct a new parking lot for 100 Metra commuters.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson, D-Chicago Heights.

• $110,000 to the Mokena Fire Protection District o buy a new rescue truck to replace an existing 20-year-old vehicle.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Renne Kosel, R-New Lenox.

• $100,000 to the Orlan Fire Protection District to help purchase a new "centralink" 911 emergency call system for the Orland Central Dispatch Center, which serves 185,000 people.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $50,000 to the Senior Service Center of Will County to purchase 10 computers and related equipment and software that will enhance programs for 33,000 seniors.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.

• $50,000 to Frankfort Township to buy a transit vehicle with a wheelchair lift for its Dial-A-Ride program.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $50,000 to the Palos Fire Protection District and the Palos Heights Fire Protection District to buy thermal imaging equipment and underwater search and rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick O'Malley, R-Palos Park.

• $45,000 to Bremen Township to help purchase a new dump truck for road repair and two cars that will enhance the township's programs for seniors and young people.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kevin McCarthy, D-Orland Park.

• $30,000 to the Village of South Chicago Heights to purchase a new truck with a snow plow.
  This project was initiated by Halvoson.

• $30,000 to the Village of Tinley Park to help construct playground equipment.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $20,000 to Orland Township to buy a new vehicle for the township's "senior wheels" transportation program.
  This project was initiated by McCarthy.

• $15,000 to the Christian Vision Center to supplement security services provided by off-duty police officers at the center, which serves as a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.

• $10,000 to The Success Center to supplement counseling services for families in need.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.