Ryan: $152,500 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Kankakee/Illinois River Valleys

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $152,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Kankakee and Illinois river valleys, including $100,000 to the City of LaSalle for the recently created LaSalle Historic Preservation Commission that will oversee the revitalization of the city's downtown as the LaSalle Historic District.

The revitalization will include streetscapes, landscaping, signage, facade renovation/design, storefront restorations, bronze historical marker plaques and mural painting. There are four buildings currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places included within the boundaries of this plan. The city is contributing $80,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick D. Welch, D-Peru.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to the Momence Park District to construct a private railroad crossing at Island Park. The district is contributing $30,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep.Philip Novak, D-Bradley.

• $20,000 to the Peru Rescue Station, Inc., to purchase new boats, motors and rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Welch.

• $7,500 to the Kankakee County Planning Department to help support its rural transit service, Show Bus. The department is contributing $80,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.