$495,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Kankakee/Illinois River Area

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $495,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Kankakee/Illinois River area, including $100,000 to the city of Ottawa to develop property acquired by the city to expand East Allen Park. This expansion will allow additional public access to the Illinois River frontage and will feature a toboggan run and nature trails. The city will contribute $100,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick D. Welch, D-Peru.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Senior Services Center of Will County to assist in paying off the balance of its mortgage. The center will contribute $472,241.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Lawrence M. "Larry" Walsh, D-Elwood.

• $75,000 to the Village of Verona to fund design engineering for a new wastewater treatment facility. This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

• $65,000 to East Brooklyn Village to complete design engineering for a new water distribution facility.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $50,000 to the City of LaSalle for property acquisition and demolition which will be used to expand the existing library.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Frank J. Mautino, D-Spring Valley.

• $50,000 to the Monee Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire engine. The district will contribute $175,000.
  This project was initiated by Larry Walsh.

• $20,000 to the Grant Park Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera to use in search and rescue/recovery efforts.
  This project was initiated by Larry Walsh.

• $20,000 to Joliet Township Central High School to purchase to purchase a wireless microphone system for the drama and music departments. Funding will also be used for costume rental, props and performance royalties.
  This project was initiated by Larry Walsh.

• $15,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties to purchase a security system for its office and to build a storage unit on the property. This project was initiated by Larry Walsh.