$741,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for North Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $741,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects for North Chicago, including $250,000 to the Museum of Contemporary Art to underwrite educational programs, exhibitions and community outreach programs.

The museum is the only one in the state dedicated to contemporary visual and performing art. They will have a collection of free and/or discounted written and audio materials they will use during special in-classroom presentations. The museum is contributing $3,832,244.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. James A. DeLeo, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Museum of Broadcast Communications to provide programs in the areas of education, internet development, and marketing.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. John J. Cullerton, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Working in the Schools to purchase upgrade and purchase computers.
  This project was initiated by DeLeo.

• $35,000 to Open Hand Chicago to implement a nutrition counseling program their clients living with HIV/AIDS.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to CANDO to implement an urban storefront design program. The city will contribute $30,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to Skokie Park District to develop a soccer park and a dog park. The park district is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Julie Hamos, D-Evanston.

• $25,000 to the Associated Talmud Torahs P'TACH$. to renovate its facility. The city is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $20,000 to Lincolnwood Public Library to upgrade its computer catalog system.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to Hawthorne/Agassiz Arts Partnership to further develop its programming.
  This project was initiated by Cullerton.

• $15,000 to each of the following schools to upgrade their computer labs:
  Hitch Elementary
  Fairview South Elementary
  Albany Park Academy
  Timber Ridge
  These projects were initiated by Silverstein.

• $20,000 to Belding Elementary School to enhance its after school programs.
  This program was initiated by State Rep. Richard T. Bradley, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to each of the following Chicago Public Schools to enhance their after school programs:
  Irving Park Middle School
  Reilly Middle School
  Barry Public School
  Scammon Public School
  Murphy Public School
  Haugan Public School
  Patrick Henry Elementary
  These programs were initiated by Bradley.

• $10,000 to Dever Elementary School to purchase computers.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Robert J. Bugielski, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Gilda's Club to provide continued support to people living with cancer and their family and friends.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Louis I. Lang, D-Skokie.

• $10,000 to Misericordia Heart of Mercy to renovate and construct and additional classroom.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Joseph M. Lyons, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to Chapell Elementary School to purchase science books and laboratory equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago.

• $3,000 to the WITS program to implement a new tutoring program.
  This project was initiated by Lyons.

• $3,000 to Lincoln Bend Chamber of Commerce to purchase a lap top computer.
  This project was initiated by Lyons.