$2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for DuPage County

SPRINGFIELD - - Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2.025 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in DuPage County, including $750,000 to the Village of Addison to make improvements at the Lake Manor pond.

This project will improve storm water management and alleviate the flooding problems in many low lying areas north of Fullerton Avenue. The village is contributing $1.5 million.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $300,000 to the Village of LaGrange Park for sewer system improvements on the east side. The village is contributing $6.5 million.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William A. O'Connor, R-Riverside.

• $250,000 to the Village of Bensenville for construction of a new water main and the installation of twelve fire hydrants. The village is contributing $259,911.
  This project was initiated by Senate President James "Pate" Philip, R-Wood Dale.

• $175,000 to Lifelink, a not-for-profit social services agency serving children, families and the aging. This grant will fund several projects, including construction of a garden that will allow frequent and unrestricted access to the outdoors for residents suffering from Dementia. The agency is contributing $167,900.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $150,000 to Glenbard High School District 87 to allow new Internet wiring and Internet access to classrooms.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Vincent A. Persico, R-Glen Ellyn.

• $150,000 to the Carol Stream Park District to stabilize and enhance the shorelines of Evergreen Lakes North and South. The district is contributing $10,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Doris C. Karpiel, R-Carol Stream.

• $100,000 to Triton College to construct a new library in a community center serving the Hispanic community.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. James B. Durkin, R-Westchester.

• $100,000 to Triton College to purchase a parcel of land to be used for an off-campus center. This center will be used for G.E.D. courses, teaching English as a second language and citizenship classes, and will also house two computer labs.
  This project was initiated by Durkin.

• $50,000 to the Bensenville Community Public Library to redesign the library site in order to make it more conducive to learning. The community is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by Philip.