SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $200,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois, including $100,000 to the Greater East St. Louis Chamber of Commerce for a research grant to formulate an economic recovery model for the revitalization of the East St. Louis area.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to MSMBC, Inc., to assist in the completion of the Garfield Hubbard Senior Complex in East St. Louis.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville.