SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,815,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $315,000 to the Jersey Community Unit School District to restore the district's auditorium.

The auditorium was built in the 1960's and serves 1,100 district students each year. Improvements to the auditorium will include replacing the floor tile, which was found to contain asbestos, the addition of an air conditioning system and an electrical upgrade. The district is contributing $50,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the Village of Divernon to construct a new three mile water line from the Otter Lake water commission.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Gwenn Klinger, R-Springfield.

• $200,000 to the City of Benld to construct a new 150,000 gallon water storage tank.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

• $150,000 to the Pleasant Plains School District to construct an all weather track at the high school.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry K. Bomke, R-Springfield.

• $137,500 to the Litchfield School District to construct a sports complex.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield.

• $100,000 to the Village of Oakford to construct an elevated water tank. The village is contributing $314,000.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.

• $100,000 to the Prairie Capital Convention Center to replace two 22-year old passenger elevators.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to the Waverly Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad to construct a new firehouse, purchase a new ambulance and related safety and rescue equipment. The city is contributing $235,158.
  This project was initiated by Demuzio.

• $100,000 to the Woodson Fire Protection to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $40,000.
  This project was initiated by Demuzio.

• $100,000 to the City of Bunker Hill to develop a community park.
  This project was initiated by Demuzio.

• $60,000 to the Village of Riverton to construct a secondary gas main.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $50,000 to the Village of Pawnee to purchase a new sewer vactor truck. The village is contributing $125,000.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.

• $40,000 to the Tallula Fire District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $94,000.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $40,000 to Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District to help fund the Prairie Creek Environmental Habitat project.
  This project was initiated by Poe and Bomke.

• $33,000 to the Eureka-Goodfield Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $144,416.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert A. Madigan, R-Lincoln.

• $25,000 to the City of Waverly to purchase computer equipment for their police cars.
  This project was initiated by Ryder.

• $25,000 to the Village of Williamsville to expand its water distribution system.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $20,000 to the Village of Palmyra to purchase computer equipment for its police cars.
  This project was initiated by Ryder.

• $20,000 to the Menard County Board to purchase and distribute recycling yard bins.
  This project was initiated by Poe.