Ryan: $640,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $640,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in suburban Cook County, including $450,000 to the Village of Lyons to eliminate a blighted area of the village.

Abandoned and useless buildings will be demolished and the site renovated to create a recreational area for use by both Washington School and District 103 Middle School. The area will include a ball field with dugouts, backstops and fencing.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. William A. O'Connor, R-Riverside.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Pleasant Home Foundation to stabilize and repair the exterior of the Pleasant Home, a National Historic Landmark.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Angelo "Skip" Saviano, R-Elmwood Park.

• $50,000 to the Village of Broadview to repair alleys. The village is contributing $50,000.

• $20,000 to the Frank Hren Foundation to help construct a conservatory in Discovery Park. The Foundation is contributing $25,000 from donations.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Maine Township for continued renovation of its town Hall.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe, R-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce to purchase a copier, printer, phone and filing cabinets.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Walter W. Dudycz, R-Chicago.