$5.6 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $805,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago's Far Northwest Suburbs, including $200,000 to the city of Crystal Lake to improve the intersection of Route 176 and Walkup Avenue.

The grant will be used to add new through lanes and turning lanes, to modernize existing traffic signals, street lighting and drainage improvements. The improvements will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and improve air quality benefiting more than 35,000 people.

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

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the Village of Carpentersville to improve village streets.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Steven J. Rauschenberger, R-Elgin.

• $150,000 to the Greater Elgin Family Care Center to purchase office and exam equipment for a clinic and to provide educational seminars. The center is contributing $120,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Douglas A. Hoeft, R-Elgin.

• $50,000 to the Pioneer Memorial Foundation of Illinois, Inc. to install a bronze Pioneer Family Memorial. The organization is contributing $170,000.
  This project was initiated by Rauschenberger.

• $50,000 to the Village of Richmond to install 4,400 feet of sewer to connect the existing sewer treatment plant to Richmond Burton Community High School.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dick Klemm, R-Crystal Lake.

• $50,000 to Hampshire Township to purchase a new handicapped-accessible van for the township's Senior Citizens Service.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner, R-Aurora.

• $40,000 to the Village of Lakewood to purchase computer and communications equipment for the Lakewood Police Department.
  This project was initiated by Klemm.

• $40,000 to the YMCA of Elgin to purchase a passenger bus.
  This project was initiated by Hoeft.

• $10,000 to the McHenry County Youth Orchestra to purchase equipment for music instruction and performance.
  This project was initiated by Klemm.

• $10,000 to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of McHenry County. to purchase equipment and supplies.
  This project was initiated by Klemm.

• $5,000 to Senior Services Associates, Inc. to purchase new computer and communications equipment.
  This project was initiated by Klemm.