Ryan: $165,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for North Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $165,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in North Central Illinois, including $100,000 to the Henry County Emergency Services Association to construct an emergency services center on East Wolf Road in Colona.

The center will house an air medical helicopter with facilities for its crew members, as well as branch offices of the Henry County Sheriff's Department and the Colona Fire Protection District. The Colona Fire Protection District is contributing $21,740.

This Illinois FIRST was initiated by State Rep. Donald L. Moffitt, R-Gilson.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Osco Community Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $30,000 to the Henry County Emergency Services Association to construct an emergency service center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline.

• $20,000 to the American Red Cross, Heart of America Region to purchase a self-contained blood donation unit.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Carl E. Hawkinson, R-Galesburg.

• $20,000 to the American Red Cross, Heart of America Region to purchase a self-contained blood donation unit.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. George P. Shadid, D-Edwards.

• $10,000 to Galesburg Museum, Inc., to develop a new exhibit at the Discovery Depot Children's Museum entitled Water Wonders.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.