SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,199,100 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $300,000 to the City of Litchfield for construction of a water main.

The water main will run along the east and north sides of Litchfield. The city is contributing $29,000.

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

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $265,000 to the City of Litchfield to repave the parking lots at the Community Center, Memorial Municipal Pool, and Davis Park. $175,000 will be used to improve the auditorium of the Arts and Technology Building at Lincoln Land Community College's Southern Region Education Center.
  This project was initiated Hannig.

• $104,900 to Auburn Fire Protection District to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry K. Bomke, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to Springfield/Sangamon County Rescue Squad to purchase a multi-mission heavy rescue vehicle.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to the Village of Williamsville for park improvements to Williamsville Village Park.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $75,000 to Logan County Paramedic Association to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert A. Madigan, R-Lincoln.

• $75,000 to Atlanta Rural Fire Protection District to purchase a tanker.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John W. Turner, R-Lincoln.

• $60,000 to Bath Fire Protection District to purchase equipment and a used pumper/tanker truck.
  This project was initiated by Turner.

• $50,000 to the Village of Witt to purchase fire equipment and renovate Witt Area Historical Museum.
  This project was initiated by Hannig.

• $30,000 to Montgomery County Senior Citizens to renovate the Senior Center Building.
  This project was initiated by Hannig.

• $25,000 to Jerseyville Public Library to fund operating expenses during the summer months.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

• $14,200 to the Springfield Jewish Federation to purchase equipment and furnishings.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.