Ryan: $930,500 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $930,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Suburban Cook County, including $613,000 to the Berwyn Park District to renovate Freedom Park. The 3.8 acre public facility is under-utilized and in need of modernization to create a more versatile, family-friendly recreational environment. The park district will contribute $1.2 million.

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

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $150,000 to the Village of Harwood Heights to support the study, design and construction of a storm water project. The community is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe, R-Chicago and State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Norwood Park Historical Society to make landscape, driveway and parking lot improvements to the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House, an historical landmark in the village of Norwood Park.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.

• $40,000 to the Forest Park Police Department to purchase a DVD dictaphone system to monitor and record all emergency telephone lines and radio frequencies.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. James B. Durkin, R-Westchester.

• $37,500 to CPS for computer upgrades at Norwood Park School, Smyser School and Thorpe School.
  These projects were initiated by Capparelli and McAuliffe.

• $20,000 to the Village of Riverside to fund construction and landscaping of a gateway sign at the entrance to the village.
  This project was initiated by O'Connor.

• $10,000 to Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce to purchase a new computer printer, software and miscellaneous office equipment.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli and McAuliffe.

• $10,000 to Trinity High School in River Forest to purchase computer equipment.
  This project was initiated by Patricia "Patti" Bellock, R-Hinsdale.