Ryan: $779,700 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago's Northwest Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $779,700 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs, including $125,000 to the Village of Schaumburg to construct a gateway.

The gateway will serve as a major entrance into the village and is necessary to continue the ongoing village-wide corridor enhancement program at Higgins Road and Route 53.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Carol Pankau, R-Roselle.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $105,000 to Bartlett Park District for construction of a playground in the District's Community park.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas L. Johnson, R-West Chicago.

• $100,000 to Carol Stream Park District to repair eroded shorelines, re-establish wildlife habitats, and improve pond and stream water quality.
  This project was initiated by Johnson.

• $100,000 to the City of West Chicago for construction of a park.
  This project was initiated by Johnson.

• $63,700 to the Village of Streamwood Police Dept. to install video recording equipment in patrol vehicles.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Douglas Hoeft, R-Elgin.

• $60,000 to Suicide Prevention Services of Kane County to hire a staff trainer for two years.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner, R-Sugar Grove.

• $60,000 to the village of Algonquin for construction of two bridges across Crystal Creek.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Cal Skinner, Jr., R-Crystal Lake.

• $50,000 to the City of West Chicago for railroad crossing safety.
  This project was initiated by Johnson.

• $50,000 to the Village of Carol Stream to install specialized equipment for the Village's police department.
  This project was initiated by Johnson.

• $45,000 to the Carol Stream Fire Protection Dist. to purchase thermal imaging cameras.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Doris Karpiel, R-Roselle.

• $21,000 to Bartlett Park District to purchase a 15-passenger van.
  This project was initiated by Johnson.