Ryan: $1.7 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.7 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $1.5 million to the Lookingglass Theatre to renovate the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station facility in the Water Tower Water Works building, which will become its permanent location.

Various entries, openings and walkways which have been closed or reconfigured will be returned to their previous use. The most significant of these is the Pearson Street entrance at Michigan Avenue, a highly used pedestrian intersection. An existing auditorium will be reconfigured and a lobby and studio will be constructed in the existing two story space adjacent to the Pearson Street lobby and the Pumping Station's Visitor's Gallery. The city is contributing $1.5 million.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $150,000 to the Illinois Institute of Technology to develop a state of the art Digital Media Center in Wishnick Hall.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Thomas Kelly High School Community Council to support a four-day sports activities camp, the International Baccalaureate students' travels to Europe, 2001 and 2002 scholarship awards and to purchase sports and band equipment. The council is contributing $20,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz, D-Chicago.