Ryan: $215,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago's Southeast Side

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $215,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects on Chicago's Southeast side, including $100,000 to the Chicago Park District for improvements to the Murray Park Fieldhouse.

The Field House needs new windows and doors, a new roof, tuckpointing and new lights. The facility's masonry also will be cleaned.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the Chicago Park District to purchase and develop a five acre property as an expansion of Leland Giants Park.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $25,000 to the Christ Deliverance daycare to support after-school programs during the week for elementary school students.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $40,000 to the City of Chicago to fund Police Youth Explorers programs within the Chicago Police Department's Third, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth districts. In each district about 25 young adults aged 15-20 will receive computer training and other learning experiences alongside Chicago police officers.
  These projects were initiated by State Rep. Charles Morrow, D-Chicago.