DURBIN, SCHAKOWSKY: SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES $3 MILLION FOR BROADWAY ARMORY RENOVATIONS. SCHAKOWSKY WINS AN ADDITIONAL $750,000 FOR PARKING NEEDS AT THE ARMORY

SCHAKOWSKY WINS AN ADDITIONAL $750,000 FOR PARKING NEEDS AT THE ARMORY

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.