Ryan: $1.8 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,665,400 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $333,000 to the City of Hillsboro to purchase equipment.

The purchases, which will benefit all 10,000 people in the community, include a vacuum sweeper truck, two police cars, a fire alarm for the library, and lawn mowers.

This Illinois FIRST was initiated by State Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Gillespie.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $300,000 to the City of Gillespie to redevelop the downtown area. The city is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

• $100,000 to Raymond Community Fire Protection District to purchase a tanker truck. The village is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by Hannig.

• $100,000 to Lincoln Land Community College to replace bleachers and construct new concessions at the athletic facility.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry K. Bomke, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to Athens Fire Department to purchase a new pumper truck. The city is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to Chandlerville, Ashland, and Virginia EMT's to purchase a new ambulance. $67,000 is being contributed through fundraising projects.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $100,000 to Athens Fancy Prairie Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper truck. The city is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.

• $100,000 to Illiopolis Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper truck. The village is contributing $12,500.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $75,000 to Springfield Theatre Centre for building and equipment improvements at 101 E. Lawrence.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $75,000 to the Village of Greenview to upgrade the playground equipment and repair several thousand feet of sidewalk within its boundaries.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $60,000 to Farmer City Fire Protection District to purchase a four-wheel drive Fire Truck Chassis. The city is contributing $152,500.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert A. Madigan, R-Lincoln.

• $51,000 to Williamsville Fire Protection District to extend a water main and sanitary sewer to serve the new location of the fire station.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $100,000 to Rochester Community Unit School District to construct tennis courts at the proposed Sports Complex on Rocket Drive. The village is contributing $150,000.
  This project was initiated by Poe and Bomke.

• $30,000 to the City of Marquette Heights to purchase a new pumper truck. The city is contributing $185,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Keith P. Sommer, R-Morton.

• $25,000 to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville to construct a permanent school for Springfield School of Nursing. The university is contributing $740,600.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.

• $25,000 to the Village of SanJose to purchase a police car.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John W. Turner, R-Atlanta.

• $40,000 to Ashland Public Library to construct a new branch library in Pleasant Plains. The village is contributing $210,000.
  This project was initiated by Poe and Bomke.

• $20,000 to Worth Township Road District to surface 1.8 miles of Ten Mile Creek Road. The township is contributing $71,279.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Morton Township Road District to construct a salt shed. The township is contributing $75,000.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Montgomery Township Road District to reseal and/or resurface a number of roads in the township. The township is contributing $40,000.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Washington Township Road District to make road improvements on Nofsinger Road.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Linn Township to purchase a new truck for hauling and plowing.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.