Congresswoman Ramirez Champions $34.5M for Housing, Environmental, Infrastructure, and Workforce Priorities
The selected projects respond to years of local advocacy to address safety concerns, climate change challenges, and infrastructure needs for IL-03
Chicago, IL—Yesterday, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), local leaders, and regional organizations announced they are advocating to secure more than $34.5 million for the development of 15 community projects in IL-03. When granted in the FY25 appropriations, the dedicated funding would increase affordable housing units, expand safe green spaces for students and communities, strengthen climate change resilience infrastructure and road safety, and support workforce development in IL-03.
“I’m excited to announce that our community came together to identify and submit the maximum number of projects allowed in the FY25 appropriations process. Thanks to the support of community leaders and local officials, we are ready to champion $34.5 million for critical, transformative projects across IL-03,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “From West Chicago to River Grove to Albany Park, the dedicated funding would improve the conditions that keep our communities healthy and thriving.”
“I call on my colleagues to avoid the partisan politics that delayed the appropriations process last year. We must work to get this urgent funding, as well as the overall 2025 budget, passed without delay,” added Rep. Ramirez.
During the public announcement, Congresswoman Ramirez said she was “particularly proud” of the projects selected because they respond to the immediate needs of the communities and years of advocacy.
"We are thrilled to announce the launch of 'Advancing Manufacturing Excellence: A Strategic Plan for the Technology Center of DuPage.' This transformative initiative aims to establish an Advanced Manufacturing Hub within our Manufacturing Lab, revolutionizing it into a cutting-edge facility that serves as both an educational center and a dynamic community manufacturer shop,” said Holly Camerano, Assistant Director for College and Career Pathways at Technology Center of DuPage.
“At DuPage Housing Authority (DHA), we have an obligation to promote, expand, and preserve affordable housing opportunities for all! We are excited to be selected for federal funding from Congresswoman Delia Ramirez of the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois to support Woodland Court, a proposed 12-unit affordable townhome development in DuPage County’s West Chicago community. This is a remarkable opportunity with our partner DuPage Habitat for Humanity and community stakeholders to create future homeownership for disadvantaged households, while increasing the potential to generate additional long-term upward mobility for families in the West Chicago community. A special thank you for your ongoing support of Woodland Court, West Chicago, IL-DuPage County: Mayor Ruben Pineda, Board Chair Deb Conroy, Senator Karina Villa, State Rep Maura Hirschauer,” said Cheron Corbett, DuPage Housing Authority CEO.
“We are proud to support the Pulaski Road Senior Housing Project as it embodies our commitment to revitalizing communities and providing dignified housing solutions. Transforming this abandoned historic property into 61 rental units with supportive services for very low-income elderly individuals not only preserves our cultural heritage but also fosters a nurturing environment where our seniors can thrive with dignity and security,” said Chicago Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda.
"We are thankful for Congresswoman Ramirez's efforts to secure this funding, which serves two purposes: providing funding for our residential group homes serving our most vulnerable clients and reducing our carbon footprint with energy efficiency,” saidDuPage County Health Department Executive Director Adam Forker.
“Goethe students and families are thrilled to have the support of Congresswoman Ramirez, who understands the importance of providing the students at Goethe Elementary School with a safe, healthy, and functional outdoor environment. This project will be truly transformative for the school community and will equitize the educational experience of the students at Goethe Elementary School into the foreseeable future. Thank you, Congresswoman Ramirez, for your hard work and tireless advocacy on behalf of our neighborhood school." said Goethe Elementary SchoolPrincipal Nader Elmasri.
“Benjamin 25 is incredibly pleased and grateful for the support of Congresswoman Ramirez in helping us complete this project which will greatly improve and enhance our learning environment,” said Benjamin School District 25 Superintendent Jim Woell.
“Patrick Henry Elementary School is a neighborhood school in the Albany Park area that is a central location for families within the community. We do not have a green space within a 1-mile radius of the school, and we are in need of major renovations within the playground, which is currently 28 years old. I am thankful for the opportunity for our school and the community to have a space for families and students to enjoy,” said Patrick Henry Elementary SchoolPrincipal Mary Ann Reynolds.
“The McKee House Native American Cultural and Environmental Center stands as a beacon of enlightenment, fostering a vibrant community where knowledge and history thrive and diverse cultures unite. Through a partnership with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the Midwest SOARRING Foundation, the Village aspires to cultivate curiosity, celebrate diversity, and inspire creativity, enriching lives and shaping a brighter future for residents near and far for generations to come,” said Glen Ellyn President Mark Senak.
"Embarking on an unprecedented journey, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) proudly announces the inauguration of our Community Economic Development Center—the first of its kind within the VACCC and Congressional District IL-03. We stand ready to create boundless opportunities for our Veterans. Together, we will pioneer a new era of empowerment, championing initiatives that cultivate prosperity for our Cook County Veterans and their families," said VACCC Superintendent Elizabeth Soto.
“The Wayne Township Road District is paving the way for a healthier and greener community with our bike path initiative on Powis Road,” said Martin McManamon, Highway Commissioner of the Wayne Township Road District.
“On behalf of the Park District and the residents of the Montclare community, I’d like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for working to secure $3 million in funding for a new fieldhouse at Bell Park. A new fieldhouse at Bell Park to replace the existing facility would bring transformative change to the neighboring children and families by expanding recreational offerings that contribute to overall health and quality of life,” saidChicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño.
“The Addison Mayor and Village Board are set to embark on a major water and sewer project with coordination from Congresswoman Ramirez to help improve the infrastructure for our residents!” said Village Manager Joe Maranowicz.
"The proposed Hanson Park renovation for baseball and softball fields will have a transformational impact, serving students from 50 elementary and 12 high schools in communities surrounding the park. We are thrilled to see this project move forward. Thousands of athletes will have access to a permanent turf field and a certainty that events will take place without cancellations due to poor field conditions. The park will also be ready to host off-season sports like flag football and soccer, making it a go-to sports and recreational space for the community,” said Charles Mayfield, CPS Chief Operating Officer.
“This is a critical project for this area; the residents face devastating flooding that impacts both their health and access to public safety,” said Jim Zay, DuPage County Board Member and Chairman of the Stormwater Management Committee.
“This high-impact project represents a significant milestone in our efforts to address flood-related challenges in our community. Not only will it directly prevent overland flooding into 37 homes, but by lowering the street, an additional 13 homes will be able to reduce the occurrences of flooding. Over the course of 30 years, this initiative is projected to save homeowners an estimated $19 million in damages currently incurred due to flooding. The project will make a tangible difference in the lives of residents impacted by flooding events, enhance the resilience of our neighborhoods, and protect our residents' properties," said Wheaton City Manager Michael Dzugan.
For the recording of the public announcement, CLICK HERE.
For photos and videos, CLICK HERE.
BACKGROUND
During the FY24 Appropriation, Congresswoman Ramirez secured $14.1 million in federal funding for 15 community projects. The funding expands access to affordable housing, food security, clean water, and street and pedestrian safety.
Community Project Funding, previously referred to as earmarks, refers to dedicated funding requested by a Member of Congress during the Appropriations process for specific projects in their district. Each year, the Appropriations Committee establishes the rules and guidance of what projects are eligible for submission. For this year's process, Republicans provided less than 7 days to identify and submit projects. Additionally, Republicans disqualified nonprofit organizations from submitting requests for funding under both the THUD and LHHS appropriations. Despite the difficulties, Congresswoman Ramirez and local organizations identified and submitted the maximum number of projects allowed.
The House Appropriations Committee, currently under the Republican Majority, will review each request and decide whether it will be included in a final spending package passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the President.