Ryan: $920,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Suburban Cook County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $920,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in suburban Cook County, including $750,000 to Niles Township to construct a day care center adjacent to the township offices, as well as a food pantry and other building improvements.

The new day care center will be built next to the Niles Township Government Building and will serve residents of the township. Other improvements to the Government Building include upgrades for an existing computer training center and repairs to make the offices compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to Trinity High School in River Forest to purchase a computer network for the school that will allow faculty, students and administrators to communicate and work together.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Angelo "Skip" Saviano, R-Elmwood Park.

• $75,000 to the Skokie Park District to help develop new soccer fields at a 12 acre park site along the Chicago River. The district is contributing $75,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Louis Lang, D-Skokie.

• $40,000 to the North Shore Senior Center to develop a health and fitness center for seniors. The entire project will cost more than $10 million, with $3 million being raised locally.
  This project was initiated by Lang.

• $10,000 to the Maine Township Highway Department to purchase an air compressor that will be used to repair township roads.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Walter Dudycz, R-Chicago.