WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
today said the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $3 million
to renovate the Broadway Armory in Chicago.
Durbin
is a member of the Defense Subcommittee that initially cleared the funding,
which is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 defense spending bill.
The
Broadway Armory houses community and university services and senior programs
as well as an Illinois National Guard unit. The funding will be used
to upgrade the facility and make the building, which covers more than three
acres, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"The
Broadway Armory provides essential facilities and valuable opportunities
to the residents of the Edgewater neighborhood," Durbin said. "This
investment in its future will pay dividends in the quality of life for
those who depend on its services."
"The
Broadway Armory is an integral part of the Edgewater community where seniors,
students, and so many others can find programs and services to enrich their
lives," Schakowsky said. "Every dollar spent to upgrade and modernize
the Armory will make it more welcoming to all people, including those with
disabilities. I look forward to seeing this landmark humming with
activity."
Last
week $750,000 for parking needs at the Armory was included at Schakowsky’s
request in the FY 2002 Transportation Appropriations conference report.
Durbin was a member of the conference committee that wrote the report,
which passed the Senate today.
Earlier
this year, Durbin met with Chicago Alderman Mary Ann Smith to discuss the
project and worked with Representative Schakowsky to secure the funding. |