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

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.868 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $500,000 to the City of Carbondale to develop a recreation area between two newly built schools.

This project will include several baseball, softball and soccer fields, which will be available for use by both of the schools and the community at large. This approach maximizes the overall use of this facility, while avoiding costly duplication of additional recreational areas. The village is contributing $35,000.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $180,000 to the Village of Xenia
to resurface Church Street from Old Route 50 through Xenia to the south side of the community.
This project was initiated by State Sen. William L. O'Daniel, D-Mt. Vernon.
• $150,000 to the Village of Willisville to replace two over 35 year old fire trucks.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $150,000 to Pomona-Somerset Fire Protection District, Murphysboro to purchase a new pumper truck. $30,000 in property tax funds will be applied to the project.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $150,000 to the Village of Gorham to replace the rescue and pumper truck.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $125,500 to Pomona Township to construct a new town hall for the township that will include a new bay for a fire truck.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $90,000 to the City of Golconda to construct a pedestrian bridge.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ned Mitchell, D-Sesser.
• $86,000 to General John A. Logan Museum, Murphysboro to locate and document the remains of the house where Logan was born.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $85,500 to the Village of Vergennes to purchase a fire truck and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $75,000 to Bridgeport Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper truck. The 1st National Bank of Bridgeport is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated State Rep. Charles A. Hartke, D-Effingham.
• $72,600 to Perry County Sheriff's Department to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $40,000 to Makanda Township Fire Department to purchase a brush fire suppression truck.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $40,000 to the Village of Cobden to purchase a backhoe.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $34,000 to the Village of Elkville Police Department to purchase two police cars.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $30,000 to Lawrence County Senior Citizens, Bridgeport to purchase a mini van to transport seniors.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.
• $24,400 to Jones School District #43 to update and renovate the space used for pre-kindergarten children.
  This project was initiated by Bost.
• $20,000 to the Village of Valmeyer for street repairs.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Sparta.
• $10,000 to Washington County Senior Services, Okawville to replace office and recreational equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.
• $5,000 to Lawrence County 4-H to renovate restroom and shower facility.
  This project was initiated by Hartke.