$1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for the Northwest Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.070 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Northwest suburbs, including $400,000 to William Rainey Harper College in Palatine. The funds will be used to provide state of the art technology for the college's Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry programs. The college will contribute approximately 25 percent of the cost.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $350,000 to the Northbrook Park District to construct a handicapped accessible restroom and a concession facility at the Village Greens site.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson, R-Glenview.

• $150,000 to the Wheeling Park District to alleviate flooding and to control stormwater runoff at the Chevy Chase Golf Course. The district is contributing $2,947,980.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Terry Link, D- Vernon Hills.

• $120,000 to the Mount Prospect Library to purchase workstations, carpeting and audiovisual shelving and to make electrical improvements. The Village is contributing $28,224.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Carolyn Krause, R-Mount Prospect.

• $30,000 to the Rainbow Hospice, Inc., Park Ridge, to support its Grief at School Outreach Program. The village is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, R-Des Plaines.

• $10,000 to Special Leisure Services, Rolling Meadows, to purchase and install computers and equipment for the Northwest Special Recreation Association.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Suzanne Bassi, R-Palatine.

• $10,000 to Harbour, Inc., Park Ridge, to purchase office equipment and furniture and to make repairs to its facility.
  This project was initiated by Mulligan.