$1.5 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for South Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.555 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in South Chicago, including $500,000 to the City of Blue Island to repair curbs, sidewalks, sewers and to resurface the streets.

Some of the streets affected by the work include York, Union, High, Honore, Lincoln, Winchester, Chicago, Oak, Prairie Walnut, Division and Hoyne. This on-going project benefited from a $400,000 Illinois FIRST grant last year.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Emil Jones, Jr., D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $400,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase the software for the Academy of Reading program.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $150,000 to Chicago Area Project to implement an after-school Open Book program.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $100,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase the software for the Lightspan Achieve Now program.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $100,000 to the Museum of Science and Industry to provide a new exhibit on time and time-keeping. The city is contributing $1,400,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. for preliminary costs associated with capital construction and expansion of the facility.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago and Currie.

• $50,000 to Mr. Malo Youth Center to implement a Jr. Dragster Program focusing on gang prevention and intervention.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Coalition for Improved Education in South Shore to upgrade technology.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $20,000 to Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation to purchase security equipment for St. Ailbe's Adult Day Care Center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Constance A. Howard, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to Chicago State University Office of International Programs to provide for its annual lecture series.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $15,000 to Hyde Park Art Center to implement the Visual Learners: Art in the School program. The city is contributing $31,500.
  This project was initiated by Currie.

• $15,000 to Working in the Schools to implement tutorial and mentoring programs.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $10,000 to Chicago Public Schools 299-Susan B. Anthony Branch to purchase computers and related equipment.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $10,000 to Marquette Elementary School to educate parents in computer education, English as a second language and GED programs.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Fairfield Academy to purchase instructional supplies and textbooks.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Hirsch Metro School to purchase computer hardware.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Park Manor Elementary School to purchase computers for the library.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Guggenheim Elementary School to purchase computers and software.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Luke O'Toole Elementary School to help fund the purchase of the "Whirlwind Reading Project".
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Tanner Elementary School to update its security system.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $5,000 to Thornridge High School to purchase computers and related equipment.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $5,000 to Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce to implement the "Clean Streets" program.
  This project was initiated by Currie.