Ryan: $292,500 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $292,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in suburban Cook County, including $58,500 to the Park District of Forest Park to repair the roof of its Administration building, remodel its registration office, rehab a traveling stage and to purchase a van and sport and recreation equipment.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. James B. Durkin, R-Westchester.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the Pleasant Home Foundation to repair and restore the roof of the Pleasant Home, a public historic house museum, and for the executive director's salary.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford, D-Maywood.

• $50,000 to L.U.N.E.S., Inc., a nonprofit organization in Cicero that provides informational and referral services to individuals with disabilities, to purchase equipment and supplies and to hire staff.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Village of Maywood to purchase office, classroom and sports equipment for its parks and recreation department.

• $35,000 to the Kids Connection School Age Education Programs, Calumet City to purchase musical instruments, computers, supplies and to hire a director, a teacher's aid and a dance and music instructor for its after school program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Lovana "Lou" Jones, D-Chicago.

• $15,000 to the Grateful Hand Foundation to purchase and install a computer network at the Grateful House in Oak Park.

• $10,000 to the Village of Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support its membership development activities.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Walter W. Dudycz, R-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Village of Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry to purchase a computer, printer, equipment for a network, overhead projector and screen, TV monitor and to upgrade the telephone system and mail equipment.
  This project was initiated State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce to purchase a computer, a copier, a fax machine, a desk and chair, filing cabinets, shelving and office supplies.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.

• $4,000 to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Montgomery to install chain link fence, granite posts and landscaping around the newly erected Pearl Harbor Survivors Memorial in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near Joliet.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe, R-Chicago.