$1.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwest Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.1 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwest Illinois, including $250,000 to the Village of Sauget to purchase two new fire trucks and to build an addition to the existing fire station.

The enhancements will assist in upgrading the village's fire code rating and will result in a reduction of insurance rates. The village will contribute $825,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $180,000 to the Village of Breese to fund a portion of a water supply system being built cooperatively with the nearby village of Aviston.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Troy.

• $140,000 to the City of Belleville to purchase new communications equipment for its police department.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $100,000 to the Alton Museum of History and Art, Inc. to convert the Cole-Clarke Carriage House, a local historic building, into a children's interactive museum. The museum will contribute $20,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Evelyn M. Bowles, D-Edwardsville.

• $90,000 to the Village of Swansea to purchase a fire truck and an emergency warning system.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $69,000 to the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department of Pontoon Beach to upgrade its obsolete radio system and purchase 22 self-contained breathing apparatuses.
  This project was initiated by Bowles.

• $65,000 to the Children's Center for Behavioral Development in Centerville to replace the roof on its residential treatment facility.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $60,000 to Collinsville Area Recreation District to purchase new playground equipment and resilient ground cover for Glidden Park and Woodland Park. The district will contribute $10,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jay C. Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $30,000 to the Village of Swansea to construct lighted multipurpose recreational fields for use by area schools, youth organizations and sports teams.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $30,000 to Lone Grove Township to purchase property and construct a maintenance shed.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt M. Granberg, D-Carlyle.

• $25,000 to the Hollywood Heights Volunteer Fire Department to purchase 25 sets of turnout gear.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $25,000 to the Illinois Coalition for Community Services to staff an after-school youth program for five schools in the Madison/Venice area. Each site will also receive books, supplies and computer equipment.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $25,000 to the Church Road Fire Department in Centreville to purchase fire fighting equipment and gear.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis.

• $10,000 to the Village of Caseyville to purchase a lawn mower and storage shed for the Caseyville Cemetery Association.
  This project was initiated by State. Rep. Thomas Holbrook, D-Belleville.

• $10,000 to the Pontoon Beach Senior Citizens Center to repair the existing floor in order to provide a safe meeting place for its senior citizens.
  This project was initiated by Holbrook.

• $10,000 to the Granite City School District #9 to install a new lighting system for its sports field. This upgrade will improve the high school athletic facilities.
  This project was initiated by Holbrook.

• $8,000 to the Village of Swansea to purchase an automatic defibrillator for use by its police and fire departments.
  This project was initiated by Holbrook.