$1.6 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwest Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.641 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwest Illinois, including $500,000 to the City of Alton for costs associated with the environmental remediation for the Alton Center Business Park.

The work will include the demolition of buildings, excavation, the off-site landfill disposal of contaminated soil and to draining of a lagoon. The completion of this project will eliminate blight conditions at the former Owens-Illinois Glass Plant creating employment opportunities and an enhanced tax base. The city is contributing $6,000,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Steve Davis, D-East Alton.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $500,000 to Granite City to construct a new firehouse and to purchase a new ambulance and fire truck.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas Holbrook, D-Belleville.

• $282,000 to the City of O'Fallon to resurface Pierce Boulevard and construct Rock Springs Park Road.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Troy.

• $90,000 to the East St. Louis Park District topurchase trucks, tractors, mowers and park ranger vehicles.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr., D-East St. Louis.

• $74,000 to the Bond Madison Water Company to extend water lines to homes in the eastern half of Madison County and all of Bond County.
  This project was initiated by Stephens.

• $50,000 to the Venice Park District to purchase and erect recreational equipment for Venice Park.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $50,000 to the Salem Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt M. Granberg, D-Centralia.

• $35,000 to the Northwest St. Clair County Fire Protection District to purchase and install two tornado sirens.
  This project was initiated by Holbrook.

• $30,000 to Clinton County to purchase a new police patrol boat.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Frank C. Watson, R-Carlyle.

• $20,000 to the Salvation Army, East St. Louis to purchase a bus. The city is contributing $20,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis.

• $10,000 to Operation First Choice, Salem to purchase computers and related equipment.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.