SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2,341,400 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the South Suburbs, including $1,500,000 to Elim Christian Services in Palos Heights.

Funding will be used to construct a new transition wing at Kamp Cottage, a residential facility that provides a sheltered and supported living environment for children with disabilities. The transition wing will allow these children to prepare themselves to function more efficiently once they reach the age of 21. The grantee will contribute $1,571,900.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the City of Palos Heights to install a stoplight on Southwest Highway at 117th Street.

• $125,000 to the Helping Hands Rehabilitation Center in Countryside to expand its facility. The addition will include a family resource center, a nurse's office, an administrative office and meeting rooms.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Eileen Lyons, R-Western Springs.

• $100,000 to the City of Midlothian to purchase and install a generator for its pump station.

• $75,000 to the Village of Hodgkins to purchase office furnishings for its police department's newly renovated facility.
  This project was initiated by Lyons.

• $70,000 to the Orland Hills Police Department to purchase equipment to establish a traffic safety education and enforcement program.

• $50,000 to the Willie Jordan Community Service Center in Harvey to fund its after-school tutoring and mentoring program and its recreational programs.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee Daniels, Elmhurst.

• $35,000 to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to make improvements to the Anita M. Stone Jewish Community Center in Flossmoor.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. George F. Scully, D-Flossmoor.

• $30,100 to the South Suburban Family Shelter in Homewood for operating costs associated with its bilingual domestic violence hotline program. The Kraft Employee Fund will contribute $10,000 on behalf of the Shelter.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $29,700 to the Rich Township Senior Services in Richton Park to fund its transportation program for seniors and disabled residents of the township.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $25,650 to the Sauk Village Police Department to purchase a fully equipped squad car.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $25,350 to the Village of Flossmoor Police Department to purchase a squad car and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Scully.

• $25,000 to the Village of Chicago Ridge to purchase and install a large electronic double-faced sign outside of its new municipal complex.

• $20,000 to the Village of Posen to purchase a thermal imaging camera for use by its fire department in search and rescue efforts.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Maggie Crotty, D-Oak Forest.

• $11,000 to the New Mount Olive Christian Help Center in Harvey to purchase a computer and related equipment for a computer resource lab.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harold Murphy, D-Markham.

• $5,100 to the Flossmoor Fire Department to purchase an air bag system which will facilitate removal of victims from motor vehicle accidents.
  This project was initiated by Scully

• $5,000 to the Worth Public Library to purchase audio books, DVDs, and shelving equipment for its audiovisual collection.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.

• $5,000 to the Oak Forest Park District to purchase playground equipment for Fieldcrest School.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.

• $4,500 to the Village of Palos Park to fund a survey and inventory of all trees within the village right-of-way.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.

Illinois FIRST funds are not part of the state budget's General Revenue Fund. Recently, lagging tax collections brought on by a slowdown in the national economy and the terrorist attacks of September 11 have forced the governor to order spending cuts in the General Revenue Fund that amount to less than 2 percent of total spending. Illinois FIRST monies are derived from separate accounts in the state budget -- the Road Fund and the Fund for Illinois Future -- as well as through the sale of state bonds.