Ryan: $285,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for the Rockford Area

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $285,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Rockford area, including $150,000 to the Village of Somonauk to install a new water main for a new addition at the Middle School. The village is contributing $173,550.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. David A. Wirsing, R-Sycamore.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $75,000 to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve to construct a shelter house at the Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve. The Winnebago County Forest Preserve is contributing $95,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dave Winters, R-Shirland.

• $40,000 to the Village of Malta for a drainage plan to correct inadequate flows from the village.
  This project was initiated by Wirsing.

• $10,000 to Friends House Neighborhood Center, Rockford to replace gutters, windows, fascia/soffit and to repair the front porch at its facility.
  This project was initiated by Winters.

• $10,000 to Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., to purchase furniture and furnishings for elderly persons with a history of mental illness. The corporation is contributing $85,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford.