$1.9 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago's South Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,969,800 Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago's South Suburbs, including $325,000 to the Village of Alsip to purchase a new fire truck and related safety equipment.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick J. O'Malley, R-Palos Park and State Rep. Jim Brosnahan, D-Oak Lawn.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the Village of Crestwood to install an additional west bound turning lane on 135th Street.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $185,000 to the Village of Park Forest to provide contractual and consulting services for a new water treatment facility.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. George F. Scully, Jr., D-Flossmoor.

• $140,000 to Will County Sheriff's Department and Lincoln-Way High School to place Student Resource Officers on high school campuses.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox.

• $100,000 to the Frankfort Township Road District to install street lighting in Frankfort Township of Will County.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $100,000 to the New Lenox Fire Protection District to design and construct a new central fire station and administrative office. The district is contributing $1,040,000.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $100,000 to the Village of Oak Lawn to install 92,000 square feet of sidewalk. The village is contributing $275,000.
  This project was initiated by Brosnahan.

• $100,000 to the Village of Merrionette Park to help fund the construction of a new village police station.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $84,000 to the Village of Palos Park to make improvements at the village hall.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Maggie Crotty, D-Oak Forest.

• $75,000 to the Village of Worth to upgrade technology for the village hall, public works department, and police and fire departments. The village is contributing $34,000.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $53,500 to the Village of Park Forest to make exterior repairs to the library and to purchase an air compressor and other safety equipment for the fire department.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $50,000 to the Village of Hazel Crest to replace the roof on the municipal center. The village is contributing $90,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete.

• $50,000 to the CORE Association, Inc./Blue Cap, Blue Island to construct a new group home.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $50,000 to the Village of Posen for the design and engineering work on the expansion of the fire station. The village is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $50,000 to the Park Forest Health Department to purchase and install computers for the start of a senior computer network.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $49,500 to Prairie State College to implement a business partnership expansion with Crete Monee High School.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $40,000 to Homer Township to purchase, construct and install recreational equipment for a new park.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $40,000 to the Crete Park District to install lighting throughout the main park at 515 First Street and to repair and develop a walking path.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.

• $37,800 to the Evergreen Park Public Library to renovate the meeting room.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $35,000 to the Chicago Heights Park District to purchase equipment for the maintenance of a newly acquired golf course.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.

• $31,000 to the Midlothian Park District to purchase and install equipment at the skate park.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $25,000 to the Village of Posen to renovate the police department.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $20,000 to the Village of Posen to purchase a bus for the transportation of seniors.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.

• $14,000 to Metropolitan Family Services Southwest, Palos Hills to purchase a van.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $10,000 to the Park Forest School District 163 to help support the cost of two crossing guards for the Beacon Hill Community.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $5,000 to the Village of East Hazel Crest to develop restoration plans for storm water management.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.