SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $92,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Kankakee and the Illinois river valleys, including $60,000 to Florence Township to purchase a new dump truck and snow plow.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood.

Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $20,000 to the Village of Coal City to help with the reconstruction of Carbon Hill Road. The village is contributing $461,092.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary Kay O'Brien, D-Coal City.

• $12,500 to Green Garden Township to construct a salt shed.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

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.