Ryan: $2.4 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2.48 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $1 million to the Lincoln Park Zoo to renovate its three acre Farm-in-the-Zoo attraction.

This attraction was opened in 1964 as a way to teach visitors, especially children, about agriculture and our dependence on it. Renovations to the facility will include a new learning center, a reconfiguration of the horse barn to allow for more animals, a state-of-the-art milking system and demolition of the livestock barn/farmhouse to construct a replica of a typical Midwest farmhouse. This project will create an up-to-date facility for enhanced experiences and learning. Private donations will contribute $5 million.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $450,000 to the City of Chicago to help construct the new Oriole Park Branch Public Library. The city is contributing $4,536,000.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe, R-Chicago.

• $450,000 to the City of Chicago to help construct the new Oriole Park Branch Public Library. The city is contributing $4,536,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Walter W. Dudycz, R-Chicago.

• $200,000 to the Rogers Park Community Council to reimburse the Chicago Public Building Commission for the construction of a community center in Rogers Park.

• $100,000 to the Chicago Opera Theater to support programming and marketing.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. John J. Cullerton, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Lincoln Park Zoo to renovate the north entrance of the Branch Primate House to make the entrance more convenient, user-friendly and safer for visitors. Private donations will contribute $34,500.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, Elmhurst.

• $100,000 to the City of Chicago to help construct the new Oriole Park Branch Public Library. The city is contributing $4,536,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to support the move of the EZRA Multi-Service Center to a new facility on West Clinton. The organization is contributing $26,200.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to help support bus transportation to children attending the Virginia Frank Child Development Center.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Sullivan, R-Mt. Prospect.

• $5,000 to the Chicago Police Department to help support community outreach programs to residents in the 25th District.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Robert J. Bugielski, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to Alternatives, Inc., to help support Edge/Up, a School-to-Work initiative, for the Class Acts program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago.

Illinois FIRST funds are not part of the state budget's General Revenue Fund. Recently, lagging tax collections brought on by a slowdown in the national economy and the terrorist attacks of September 11 have forced the governor to order spending cuts in the General Revenue Fund that amount to less than 2 percent of total spending. Illinois FIRST monies are derived from separate accounts in the state budget -- the Road Fund and the Fund for Illinois Future -- as well as through the sale of state bonds.