SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $383,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Kankakee and Illinois River Valleys, including $100,000 to the Godley Public Water District to construct a new water system.

Currently, water throughout the district is supplied via independent shallow wells, which the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and area health departments have declared possible health hazards. The new water system will provide a safe and reliable water source and benefit 450 residents. The district is contributing $200,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $75,000 to the Joliet Township Road District to design, engineer and construct Patterson Road Bridge over Sugar Run Creek. The township is contributing $125,400.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood.

• $50,000 to Monee Township to construct a new township hall/community building. The township is contributing $350,000.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $50,000 to the City of Streator to create and construct an off-street parking facility to serve the city. The city is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Frank J. Mautino, D-Spring Valley.

• $30,000 to the Village of Aroma Park to purchase a new police car and a diesel mower.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John "Phil" Novak, D-Bradley.

• $30,000 to the Village of University Park to purchase a new police car.
  This project was initiated by Novak.

• $15,000 to the Village of Grand Ridge to replace all outdated playground equipment.
  This project was initiated by Mautino.

• $15,000 to the Village of Cherry to replace outdated playground equipment and the backstop and fence around a baseball diamond.
  This project was initiated by Mautino.

• $15,000 to the Channahon Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $3,000 to Mendota Area Senior Services, Inc. to purchase a vehicle to transport elderly clients to out-of-town medical appointments.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick D. Welch, D-Peru.