SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $164,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in East Central Illinois, including $105,000 to the Village of Tilton to purchase a new ambulance.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. William B. Black, R-Danville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the Village of Sigel to repair the intersection of Church and Louis Street and to install new and replacement sidewalks.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

• $9,000 to the Village of Tower Hill to replace a bridge on Cemetery Road.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Duane Noland, R-Blue Mound.