Congresswoman Ramirez Brings $14.1M for Community Project Funding to Local Housing, Environmental, and Infrastructure Priorities
$3,000,000 of the funding secured will assist a local organization providing food, shelter, and other assistance to asylum seekers and new arrivals in Chicago
Bensenville, IL—Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) celebrated the successful passage of $14.1 million in federal funding for 15 community projects in the IL-03 as part of the FY24 budget appropriations. During a press conference with community leaders and elected officials, Ramirez announced that the projects will expand access to affordable housing, food security, clean water, street, and pedestrian safety, and fund multiple other local priorities.
At a time when interior cities await additional federal funding to address the influx of asylum seekers, Congresswoman Ramirez secured $3,000,000 that will assist Onward House keep providing food, shelter, and other assistance to community members, including asylum seekers and new arrivals in Chicago.
“After a very untraditional first year in Congress, I am proud to announce that my office was successful in securing $14.1 million in federal funding for local community projects. The transformative funding will address pressing issues in our region, including the lack of affordable housing and services for asylum seekers. From Elgin to Elk Grove Village to Belmont Cragin, these funds will guarantee that we are investing equitably in our district and improving the conditions that keep our communities safe, healthy, and thriving,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. “I am very grateful to the community leaders and organizations that identified these local projects, and for my staff for working diligently to secure these funds for our district.”
During the press conference, community leaders, elected officials, and representatives of local organizations highlighted the impact the funding will have on IL-03 and the region. They also took the time to voice their gratitude for the work Congresswoman Ramirez and her team accomplished.
"Today marks a significant milestone for our community as we celebrate the passage of funding legislation that includes vital support for the Grade Separation Project at York Road. This investment underscores our joint commitment to improving safety, mobility, and economic vitality in our region. We extend our sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Ramirez and all those involved in championing these critical initiatives,” said Bensenville Village President Frank DeSimone. For their initiative to expand the York Road at Canadian Pacific Railroad Grade Separation Project and address railroad improvements to increase service, The Village of Bensenville received $1 million.
"We are ecstatic to begin putting this funding to good use by building a Community Center that will provide critical human services to this community, including equitable access to nutrition, health, and education services,” said Mario F. García, Executive Director of Onward Neighborhood House. Onward Neighborhood House received $3 million to expand their food pantry and develop a new migrant Welcoming Center in Chicago's Belmont Cragin.
"On behalf of Educare West DuPage, I am so thankful for Congresswoman Ramirez's advocacy efforts in securing funding to enhance safety in our school. As research has shown, children and families benefit from feeling safe, secure and valued. Educare West DuPage will utilize these much-needed resources to be able to continue to provide an environment that is designed for children that is safe and allows children to reach their full potential in order for them to foster a love for learning and be ready for school and life. This investment represents a commitment to the importance of the work being done at Educare West DuPage, which impacts the children, families, and staff of our school and the greater West Chicago community," said Executive Director of Educare West Dupage, Marcela G. Sweeney. To advance their Children & Family Pedestrians Enhancement Safety Project, Educare West DuPage received $161,250.
"Affordable housing is a racial justice issue which the Here to Stay Community Land Trust addresses by stopping the displacement of longtime community members due to gentrification. We are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Ramirez for her tireless support of Here to Stay and for securing this funding. We need investments in shared equity models such as community land trusts that allow for wealth to be maintained within the community, not extracted from it. We're proof that responsible development is possible. We’re proof that displacement and gentrification can be interrupted. We’re proof that with investment, we can support our working families who want stable, affordable housing in the neighborhoods they've called home for generations," said Kristin Horne, Program Director for Here to Stay Community Land Trust. Here to Stay Community Land Trust received $1 Million to expand affordable homes inventory for Here to Stay Community Land Trust.
“Affordable housing is not only transformational, it is generational. Families will now have the chance to stay close to each other. Kids will have an opportunity to live in a safe community and go to quality schools. They will live better lives, be more productive citizens, and so will their children and their children’s children,” said Mark Senak, Village President of Glen Ellyn. The Village of Glen Ellyn received $750,000 for an affordable housing development project.
“The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is grateful to learn that Cenacle Bridge in Blackwell Forest Preserve will benefit from the advocacy of U.S. Representative Ramirez. Funds from this grant will help connect DuPage residents and visitors to our beautiful forest preserves via the District’s and regional trail systems,” said President Daniel Hebrard of Blackwell Forest Preserve Cenacle Bridge. For the goal of replacing the deteriorating Blackwell Forest Preserve Cenacle Bridge, The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County received $300,000.
"DuPage County is grateful for the support from Congresswoman Ramirez. The County will utilize the funding to provide much-needed capacity and safety improvements to one of the most congested intersections in central DuPage County. This improvement will benefit more than 55,000 drivers each day -- including transit, emergency, and freight vehicles -- and will also improve the safety of our vulnerable pedestrians and bicyclists at this busy location in Wheaton,” said DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy. The DuPage County Board received $1 million for road & pedestrian infrastructure improvements of Naperville Road at IL-38 Intersection.
“On behalf of The Village of Franklin Park, I would like to extend my gratitude to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for including the Washington Street Improvements Project among 15 initiatives that are crucial in providing vital resources and essential infrastructure improvements. Congresswoman Ramirez’s fortitude and unwavering support brought this funding request across the finish line, ultimately allowing us to ensure that Franklin Park families will have access to clean water. Your partnership is greatly appreciated as we continue to serve our community,” said Mayor Barrett F. Pedersen of The Village of Franklin Park. To replace lead lines via the Washington Street Improvements Plan, The Village of Franklin Park received $601,439.
"LUCHA is excited to celebrate this funding announcement. This is a major win for our communities and couldn't have been possible without the steadfast support of Congresswoman Ramirez. With these resources, we will be able to meet the need for equitable housing services and vibrant community spaces. We are proud to be part of this collective effort making long-term investments in quality of life across IL-03," said Lincoln Stennard, LUCHA’s Director of Community Development. LUCHA received $1,616,279 for the revitalization of a building for LUCHA New Office to provide low- and moderate-income housing services.
"As Mayor, I'm thrilled to extend our gratitude to Congresswoman Ramirez for securing $500,000 in funding toward Elk Grove Village’s Tonne Road Reconstruction project. This substantial support allows us to significantly enhance safety along the corridor, to progress with our road reconstruction initiative, and expand our off-street bike trail network. Your commitment to the welfare of our constituents does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your dedication,” said Elk Grove Village’s Mayor Craig Johnson. For bicycle and pedestrian road improvements at Tonne Road,The Village of Elk Grove received $500,000.
“On behalf of the Park District and the Humboldt Park community, I’d like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Congresswoman Ramirez for advocating for parks and securing $1 million in federal funding for paving and other accessibility-related investment in Humboldt Park,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “These projects align with the District’s commitment to inclusivity and help further our ongoing work to ensure our parks are welcoming and accessible spaces for everyone.” Chicago Park District received $1 million for the making of road, sidewalk, and facility accessibility improvements at Humboldt Park.
“The Community Project Funding sponsored by Congresswoman Ramirez will allow Pace to implement transit signal priority technology on Harlem Avenue in western Cook County. Transit signal priority extends green lights and shortens red lights for buses, which reduces travel times for bus riders and really puts the ‘rapid’ in rapid transit,” said Melinda Metzger, Pace Executive Director. For transit signal improvements to decrease travel times, Pace Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority received $840,000.
“Congresswoman Ramirez has our utmost appreciation for her persistent effort in representing her constituents residing in Bensenville, Addison, and DuPage County. Her tireless determination to convince the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the CPF infrastructure funding and especially for her sponsorship of the desperately needed Kingery Highway accessible frontage roads resurfacing & Manhole Replacement Project is appreciated. This infrastructure investment will positively impact Cook and DuPage County’s economic development, roadway safety, and environmental sustainability for many years to come,” said Donald R. Holod, Highway Commissioner of Addison Township Highway Department. For road infrastructure improvements at Kingery Highway, Addison Township received $1.4 million.
“Safe, walkable, and inviting streets are essential to fostering community and economic growth along Chicago’s commercial corridors,” said Commissioner Tom Carney of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). “We appreciate Congresswoman Ramirez’ continued support of CDOT’s North Avenue Streetscape project, which will upgrade aging infrastructure from Kostner to Kedzie and create a more vibrant street that supports economic activity in Humboldt Park.” The City of Chicago received $850,000 for pedestrian safety & traffic improvements at North Avenue Streetscape from Central Park Avenue to Cicero Avenue.
"Senior housing is critical for our residents, allowing them to age with dignity in their home community," said Elmwood Park Village President Angelo "Skip" Saviano. "We are several steps closer to realizing our goal of adding more senior housing to Elmwood Park and we are grateful for Congresswoman Ramirez's work to secure funding for this important project." For the development of new 38-unit affordable housing for seniors via the Elmwood Grand Senior Apartments Project, The Village of Elmwood Park received $1 million.
For recording of press conference, click HERE.
For photos and videos, click HERE.