$2.4 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2.457 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $1,500,000 to the Art Institute of Chicago to renovate the main entrance stairs.

The steps, which were built on a rubble stone foundation in 1892, have deteriorated. A new foundation will be constructed that will include a ramp. The granite step system will be reset and the bronze lions will be reinstalled.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the Chicago Park District to make repairs/renovations at Kelvyn Park.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. James A. DeLeo, D-Chicago.

• $150,000 to the Old Town Chamber of Commerce to manufacture and install historic markers and landscaping along the east and west sides of Wells Street.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Judy Erwin, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Three Arts Club of Chicago to restore and renovate its facility.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. John J. Cullerton, D-Chicago.

• $80,000 to the Edgewater Development Corporation to acquire property for the redevelopment of the Raven Theater.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $60,000 to the Friends of the Chicago River to plan and design the Horner Park River Enhancement project.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John A. Fritchey, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Chicago Opera Theater to support its programs. The organization is contributing $283,942.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

• $50,000 to the City of Chicago Department of Transportation to make improvements at Burton Place Park.
  This project was initiated by Erwin.

• $43,000 to the Emerald City Theatre Company to support its productions.
  This project was initiated by Cullerton.

• $25,000 to the Rogers Park Community Council to provide after school enrichment programs for at risk youth.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the High Ridge YMCA to construct a mini field house on its property at West Toughy Avenue.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $25,000 to Cinema Chicago to support the Chicago International Film Festival.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Louis I. Lang, D-Skokie.

• $25,000 to Horizons Community Services to support its programs.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Maryville Academy to purchase a van for use by the Hanley Career Development Center Youth Employment Program.
  This project was initiated by Erwin.

• $20,000 to the Kedzie Elston Business Industrial Council to hire an ETC developer/community liaison and to make computer upgrades. The council is contributing $18,050.
  This project was initiated by Fritchey.

• $20,000 to the Ravenswood Community Council for the pre-development of a senior housing project.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago.

• $15,000 to the Chicago Center for Health Systems Development, Inc., to support its women's health access initiative.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago.

• $15,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computers and printers for Peterson Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $10,000 to the Harry S. Truman College to implement a senior citizen computer technology project.
  This project was initiated by McKeon.

• $10,000 to the Edgewater Community Council to implement a beautification project.
  This project was initiated by Osterman.

• $9,000 to the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center to supports its programs.
  This program was initiated by Silverstein.