SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $606,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Northwest Suburbs, including $114,000 to the Palatine Park District to help renovate its community center.

The park district will use the funds to purchase a new heating and air conditioning unit, replace a portion of the center's roof and replace the gymnasium's lighting and electrical wiring. The park district will contribute $1.9 million.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi, R-Palatine.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to assist the Council for Jewish Elderly with its renovation of the Lieberman Geriatric Health Center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg, D-Evanston.

• $100,000 to the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District to assist in the purchase of a new fire truck. The district is contributing $215,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner, R-Aurora.

• $100,000 to the City of Des Plaines to purchase a commercial building that will become a permanent location for the Self-Help Closet and Pantry.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, R-Des Plaines.

• $90,000 to the Glenview Park District to purchase an 8-acre parcel of land, adjacent to the Grove National Historic Landmark. The district will contribute $90,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Kathleen K. Parker, R-Northbrook and State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson, R-Glenview.

• $57,000 to Evanston/Skokie School District 65 to fund first-year expenses associated with "The Lighthouse Partnership," a collaboration between the district and Northwestern University designed to improve student achievement.
  This project was initiated by Schoenberg.

• $30,000 to the Salt Creek Park District in Palatine to renovate the playground and equipment at South Park. The district will contribute $16,278.
  This project was initiated by Bassi.

• $15,000 to McHenry County PADS, Inc. in Crystal Lake to fund its outreach programs for homeless men, women and children.