Ryan: $1.3 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago's South Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.346 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago's southern suburbs, including $499,000 to the Village of Oak Lawn to continue renovations and redevelopment to the downtown area.

The improvements include a new parking lot for Metra commuters, relocation of a VFW memorial tank, improvements to various facades and new signs. The village is contributing $222,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick O'Malley, R-Palos Park.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $150,000 to the Village of Mokena to help construct the third phase of the LaPorte Road Bicycle Path. The village is contributing $98,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox.

• $125,000 to the Hickory Hills Park District to upgrade playground equipment at two parks.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Anne Zickus, R-Palos Hills.

• $100,000 to the Village of Park Forest to complete repairs that will make Freedom Hall, the village's Community Culture Arts Center, compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. George Scully, D-Flossmoor.

• $100,000 to the Village of Oak Forest to help restore and repair stormwater retention ponds in the Landings subdivision. The village is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by O'Malley.

• $92,000 to the Village of South Holland to purchase a new ambulance that serves the village and backs up service in 22 other communities.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William Shaw, D-Markham.

• $75,000 to Orland Township to develop a new park in the Pinewood subdivision that will serve more than 400 households.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William Mahar, R-Orland Park.

• $50,000 to the Kruse Education Center to replace playground equipment at the public school, which is located in Orland Park.
  This project was initiated by Mahar.

• $50,000 to the Frankfort Fire Protection District to purchase safety and rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $35,000 to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra to replace outdated computer hardware and software needed to manage the Southland's professional symphony.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete.

• $25,000 to the LaGrange Park District to help purchase a new dump truck for road maintenance. The district is contributing $20,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Eileen Lyons, R-Western Springs.

• $25,000 to the H.E. Anderson VFW Post 4595 to help construct a veterans memorial at the New Lenox Commons.
  This project was initiated by Kosel.

• $15,000 to the Chicago Legal Clinic to supplement the operation of the clinic's environmental law section, which helps families confront environmental problems that affect their health and safety.
  This project was initiated by Lyons.

• $5,000 to Community Consolidated School District 168 to help upgrade computer hardware and software at the Sauk Village schools.
  This project was initiated by Halvorson.