Chicago Mayor Richard Daley last week identified more than $1 billion in education, infrastructure, job creation and training, housing, public safety, and energy-efficiency projects the city hopes to fund with the formula-grant funding portion of the federal stimulus program.
“In Chicago, we’re moving to take full advantage of the diverse opportunities the program offers,” Daley said. “It builds on the many steps we’re taking here to do our part to kick-start our economy and help people get through the worst economy in modern times.”
The city is still awaiting additional information from the federal government on the rules under which it can apply for the competitive grant funds. The projects outlined for possible assistance would fall under the formula-grant portion of the package.
The city believes it can create or save 16,000 jobs with the funding. Construction would include 43 road projects, 12 public housing projects, 12 affordable housing projects, and several public transit projects. Officials want to use funds to expand Head Start programs, improve public safety by installing more “in car” police cameras, and to modernize the department’s fleet of police cars.
