Governor Ryan: $819,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for DuPage County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $819,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in DuPage County, including $276,000 to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital to perform an engineering and structural assessment for needed repairs to a parking garage structure and to re-engineer and restripe five parking lots.

The parking garage is showing signs of aging and deterioration. A portion of the first floor has fallen through to the basement. This project will prevent future dangerous incidents and provide safe and adequate parking.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to Elmhurst Park District to redevelop its Plunkett Park/Courts Plus facility.

• $103,000 to the Ray Graham Association to make improvements to three of its facilities in Elmhurst and Villa Park.

• $50,000 to the Winfield Park District to install ADA automated doors, bathroom facilities, cabinetry and furnishings in the newly expanded community recreation center.
  ThIs project was initiated by State Rep. Randall M. Hultgren, R-Wheaton.

• $50,000 to the Warrenville Park District to purchase a truck and a van as well as appraisals and environmental studies for a land purchase.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $50,000 to Outreach Community Ministries, Inc., to renovate newly leased administrative office space and the Community Counseling Center at the Wheaton Youth Outreach site.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $30,000 to the City of Warrenville for the engineering and construction of a foot bridge on the Williams Road Bridge. The city is contributing $11,000.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $15,000 to the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association to purchase a wheelchair accessible minibus. The association is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $10,000 to the Wheaton Park District to purchase a handicapped door switch, kitchen items, equipment and landscaping materials for its Leisure Center.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $10,000 to the Wheaton Public Library to upgrade its electronic systems.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $10,000 to the DuPage Children's Museum to purchase supplies for the implementation of new learning activities.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia "Patti" Bellock, R-Hinsdale.

• $10,000 to the DuPage Children's Museum to help pay a Community Outreach Network Coordinator.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $5,000 to the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus to support its youth outreach programs.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.