Ryan: $1.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for the South Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.213 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the South Suburbs, including $600,000 to Elim Christian Services, a nonprofit organization that provides services to persons with physical and/or developmental disabilities in the Chicago area, to construct a greenhouse on its property in Palos Heights.

Participants will engage in all aspects of its operation, which will provide them structured therapy and vocational training opportunities.

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

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $450,000 to the Village of Lyons to upgrade its water system and to demolish a building at Ogden Avenue and Barrypoint Road in preparation for a new development in that area. The village is contributing $125,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Eileen Lyons, R-Western Springs.

• $50,000 to Frankfort Preservation to make improvements to the gymnasium and landscaping at the Founders Community Center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox.

• $50,000 to the Harvey Park District to construct a biking/walking trail and to purchase and install playground equipment at Dells Park.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harold Murphy, D-Markham.

• $33,000 to the Harvey School District 152 to purchase a utility vehicle/plow and a tractor.
  This project was initiated by Murphy.

• $20,000 to the Cancer Support Center,Homewood, to construct a "demonstration kitchen" at its facility to educate cancer patients and their families on preparing more nutritious food.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. George F. Scully, D-Flossmoor.

• $5,000 to the Blue Island School District 130 to purchase and install technology based interactive student learning modules at the Nathan Hale Middle School in Crestwood.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Maggie Crotty, D-Oak Forest.

• $5,000 to the Palos Park School District to help purchase playground equipment.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.