SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2.385 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $500,000 to the Chicago Park District to develop a new park at an historic site.

The Canal Origins Park will be developed at 2701 S. Ashland Avenue, the site where the Illinois Michigan Canal began in Chicago. The creation of this park will reclaim and restore the natural environment of the area and celebrate Chicago's heritage as a "canal town".

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $375,000 to the University of Illinois to provide staff, equipment and materials for the continued research, education and treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.

• $250,000 to Executive Service Corps of Chicago to provide professional development training for its staff.

• $100,000 to Washington Park YMCA for architectural fees related to the renovation of its current facility at South Indiana Avenue.
  This project was initiated by Smith.

• $85,000 to the Living Word Christian Center to purchase equipment, materials and supplies for its drama program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $80,000 to the Nobel Neighbors Corporation to develop a master plan for West Humbolt Park residents that will include housing, green space and recreation, transportation, health care and public safety. The corporation is contributing $80,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Miguel del Valle, D-Chicago.

• $60,000 to James "Major" Adams Youth and Family Development Academy to provide a physical fitness program, educational workshops and cultural awareness programs for youth in the Chicago area.
  This program was initiated by Hendon.

• $50,000 to the Centers for New Horizons to renovate the Elam House. The organization is contributing $23,600.
  This project was initiated by Smith.

• $50,000 to Ada S. McKinley Community Services Inc., to implement an early intervention program.
  This project was initiated by Smith.

• $50,000 to Campaign for a Drug Free Westside to establish a community technology center.
  This project was implemented by State Rep. Shirley M. Jones, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Humboldt Park Economic Development Corporation to implement a partnership with the North Avenue Merchants Association. The corporation is contributing $18,500.
  This program was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Our Lady of Good Counsel to purchase and equip a mobile classroom.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $50,000 to First Choice Learning, Inc., to purchase supplies and equipment for its tutoring program.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $50,000 to the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center to expand its current prevention and education programs for HIV/AIDS in the Latino population.
  This program was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Chicago Public Schools to hire 35 parents to do clerical work in attendance and counseling offices and to monitor the hallways and the lunchroom at Kelvyn Park High.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Chicago Public Schools to plan and design a multi-purpose facility for Telpochcalli School.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $40,000 to the Young Men's Association for Saving Our Children to purchase equipment, supplies and materials for mentoring programs.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $40,000 to the Lawndale Community Daycare to provide daycare services for children between the ages of two and five who are at risk of educational failure.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $40,000 to Family and Friends Heating and Cooling Center to provide assistance for homeless and needy familes of the North Lawndale Community.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $40,000 to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club to provide support to its Computer Learning Center.
  This program was initiated by Hendon.

• $40,000 to Campaign For a Drug Free Westside for costs associated with providing screening and assessment of substance abusers.
  This program was initiated by Hendon.

• $40,000 to the Association House to implement its Pre-University Lab School Endeavor (PULSE) program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $40,000 to the Cicero Police Department to purchase a surveillance van.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $30,000 to the Westside Baptist Ministers Conference to acquire and rehab 100 apartment units.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $30,000 to the Eyes on Austin Organization to develop a pilot training program, publish a quarterly newspaper and to conduct forums and seminars.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $30,000 to the Pilsen Together Chamber of Commerce to purchase computer and office equipment.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $25,000 to the Puerto Ricans United in Action Corporation to implement a new transportation program.
  This project was initiated by Delgado.

• $25,000 to Taproots, Inc., for costs associated with its youth programming.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $25,000 to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to distribute funds to metropolitan Chicago-area community based agencies.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $20,000 to Four Mentors, Inc., to implement mentoring programs.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Job Grand Lodge/Ancient Free Masons of Illinois to develop an educational enhancement program for school aged children.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.