$2.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2,252,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago and Suburban Cook County, including $1 million to help renovate the Unity Temple, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed national historic landmark in Oak Park.

The Unity Temple is one of two Wright-designed structures in Oak Park open to the public on a daily basis and is a significant tourist attraction. The renovation will include repairs to exterior and interior walls, the roof, skylight, patio and stairs. The Unity Temple Foundation is contributing $188,466.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $500,000 to Seguin Services Inc., to purchase and install fire alarm/detection systems and sprinkler systems in group homes for people with developmental disabilities.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee Daniels, Elmhurst.

• $350,000 to the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce to purchase and pave property at 6718 North Oliphant Avenue in Chicago.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Walter W. Dudycz, R-Chicago.

• $100,000 to Maine Township to purchase and install a security system, a heating/air-conditioning system, a sound system and outdoor signs at its town hall.
  This project was initiated by Dudycz.

• $100,000 to Chicago Park District to purchase equipment for the Norwood Park Fitness Center.
  This project was initiated by Dudycz.

• $37,500 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computers:
  $12,500 to Taft High School
  $12,500 to J.W. Garvy Elementary School
  $12,500 to Bridge Elementary School
  These projects were initiated by Dudycz.

• $35,000 to the Chicago Park District to purchase and install an air conditioning system and to upgrade the electrical system at the Norwood Park Fitness Center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ralph C. Capparelli, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to Concerned Citizens, Inc. to expand programmatic support of "Mother House."
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford, D-Maywood.

• $20,000 to the Neighborhood Center of Cicero to make repairs to its facility at South 48th Court.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William O'Connor, R-Riverside.

• $20,000 to the West Suburban Special Recreation Association to purchase a handicapped accessible van.
  This project was initiated by Lightford.

• $20,000 to the Monroe Foundation to provide assistance to individuals in becoming licensed home-based child care providers. The organization is contributing $20,000.
  This project was initiated by Lightford.

• $15,000 to the Seguin Retarded Citizens Association to make improvements to its facility on West Ogden Avenue in Berwyn.
  This project was initiated by O'Connor.

• $12,500 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computers for Taft High School.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.

• $12,500 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computers.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe, R-Chicago.

• $5,000 to the Northwest Action Council for operational and programmatic expenses.
  This project was initiated by Capparelli.