SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $80,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Western Illinois, including $30,000 to the Village of Kinderhook to purchase a building at the corner of Route 106 and Jackson Street. This building will be renovated and will become the new town hall.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Laura Kent Donahue, R-Quincy.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to Hancock County to purchase communications equipment for its Sheriff's Department.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-Liberty.

• $25,000 to the Barry Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district will contribute $40,000.
  This project was initiated by Tenhouse.