$1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,010,400 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $192,900 to the Campbell Hill Community Fire Department to purchase a tanker, brush truck and other safety equipment.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $125,000 to the Monroe County Fair Association to purchase land and a roof for a new office building.

• $100,000 to Edwards County to cover office operational costs. The county is contributing $55,473.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John O. Jones, R-Mt Vernon.

• $100,000 to the Illinois Oil Field Museum at Oblong to construct a storage building to house new and existing artifacts. The village is contributing $174,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William L. O'Daniel, D-Mt. Vernon.

• $70,000 to the City of Herrin to purchase a new computer system and software. The city is contributing $17,000.

• $50,000 to the City of Columbia to make park improvements at Bolm-Schukraft Park. The city is contributing $28,700.

• $45,000 to the Village of Coulterville to purchase a truck and police car video cameras for the Coulterville Police Department.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

• $45,000 to the Village of Okawville to purchase two new police cars.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $40,000 to the Village of Smithton to replace the bridge on Sand Rock Road. The village is contributing $50,614.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. David Luechtefeld,R-Okawville and Reitz.

• $35,000 to the Village of Prairie du Rocher to make improvements to the village hall.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the City of Benton to purchase an integrated computer system.

• $20,000 to the Village of Equality to purchase and install playground equipment at Cardinal Park, a new village park.

• $20,000 to the Okawville Youth Association to make improvements to the ballpark. The village is contributing $54,111.

• $20,000 to the Village of DuBois to purchase paving materials needed to finish a street repair project.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $20,000 to the Village of Maeystown to replace and repair sidewalks and make street repairs.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the Village of St. Libory to construct a permanent bathroom facility at the village park.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $15,000 to the Village of Oakdale to purchase equipment for maintaining streets and roads. The village is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $15,000 to the Sparta Police Department to purchase safety and security equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $15,000 to the Equality Fire Department to purchase rescue equipment.

• $10,000 to the City of Harrisburg-Southeast Youth Soccer Association to purchase equipment for the new soccer facility.

• $10,000 to the Chester Fire Department to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to Columbia Fire Department to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $5,000 to the City of Eldorado to demolish abandoned houses within the city limits.

• $5,000 to the Creal Springs Park District to purchase playground equipment and maintain a park.

• $2,500 to the Washington County Tourism Bureau to purchase equipment and materials.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.