Ryan: $6.7 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $6.798 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $5 million to Chicago State University to construct a Convocation Center at the university.

The new facility will allow for on-campus commencement and convocation exercises and also serve as a mulit-purpose educational and arts facility. It will have an assembly space with a seating capacity of 7,000 people, an exhibition arena, classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, concession areas and other related services.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by Senate Democrat Leader Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $750,000 to the City of Blue Island to make underground sewer repairs, curb repairs and to resurface streets within the 3rd Ward.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $500,000 to the City of Chicago to implement a comprehensive treatment & recovery program for substance abuse. The Chicago Housing Authority is contributing $500,000.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $375,000 to the American Educational Institute to conduct a summer institute for the Research Ready program, and continued support.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $100,000 to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church to implement a program for clergy and other faith-based leaders and the public on how to address HIV/AIDS within their communities and congregations.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to D'Estee, Inc., to further the scholarship program of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $13,000 to the City of Chicago Heights to host a two day "Train the Trainer" workshop on the domestic violence program "Breakable Vow."
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas J. Dart, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase student books, handbooks and test-prep workbooks for Harper High School.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Charles Morrow III, D-Chicago.