$3.4 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $3.45 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $500,000 to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to help construct a research park.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville and State Rep. Mike Bost, R- Murphysboro.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the City of Flora for various capital improvements within its industrial park, including upgrading road surfaces and electrical work.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William L. O'Daniel, D-Mt. Vernon.

• $250,000 to Franklin County to plan and bid for the construction of a juvenile detention facility and office building, which will house the probation and state's attorney offices.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Larry Woolard, D-Carterville.

• $250,000 to Jasper County to remodel the Jasper County office building, which holds office space for all county officials with the exception of judicial officers.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $229,000 to Bi-State Authority in Lawrenceville to repair roadways near the airport.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $200,000 to the City of Eldorado to purchase land and infrastructure for a business park. This grant will also assist in economic development efforts.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $200,000 to Rend Lake College to establish an education and training facility at the Pinckneyville Industrial Park.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $200,000 to the City of Ridgway to construct a new village hall and to remodel the existing village hall, so it can be used by the Golden Circle Senior Citizens Center to cook meals for seniors in Gallatin County.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $192,900 to the Campbell Hill Community Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck and other safety and rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Bost.

• $150,000 to the City of Benton to improve streets and sidewalks on the four main streets within the city. The grant will also provide for street signs throughout the entire city.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $150,000 to the Village of Wayne City to improve streets throughout the village.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $150,000 to Pulaski County to assist in the renovation of the Pulaski County Courthouse.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jim Fowler, D-Harrisburg.

• $138,720 to the Benton School District to help construct a new classrooms for Benton Elementary School. The building will house third and fourth grade students. The school district is contributing $936,280.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $110,000 to the City of Carbondale to purchase and renovate an existing building to expand teen services in the area.
  This project was initiated by Bost.

• $99,825 to the Norris City Omaha Enfield School District to build a sewer connection between the new elementary school building and the Norris City sanitary district treatment plant. The grant also provides for the installation of a state-mandated sprinkler system.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $75,000 to the Village of Sims to pay the balance due on a loan for its sewer system and to make repairs its community center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John O. Jones, R-Mt. Vernon.

• $60,000 to the Waterloo Police Department to purchase and equip two new police cars.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

• $50,000 to the Village of Bluford to refurbish a 40,000 gallon water tower and to replace a water main.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $50,000 to the Village of Keensburg to make improvements to the outdated water system. The improvements also will provide the system with the capability to provide water for additional residents in surrounding areas.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $35,000 to Ashley Township to fund the construction of a new public library. The township will contribute $25,000.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $30,000 to the City of Ashley to renovate an existing city community building. The renovations include an addition and pavilion that will improve and enhance public use.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $25,000 to the White County Agricultural Society to install a kitchen in the multi-purpose barn, which will be built this fall.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $22,000 to the Sparta Fire Department to purchase a new thermal imaging camera, a carbon monoxide detector, and six portable radios.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Ellis Grove Fire Department to purchase equipment for the volunteer fire department, including air bottles, air packs, and jumpsuits.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Freeburg Area Library to upgrade three of their six computer workstations. The computers currently in use are ineffective for the needs of the public or staff.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Nashville Township to erect a metal machine shed to house township vehicles and roadwork equipment. The township will contribute $1,238.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Village of Tilden to eliminate an old well and to remove and to install a sewer line in order to increase water flow rates by 50 percent. This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $5,000 to Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. to delineate lines, points, and boundaries for one hundred of the not-for-profit organizations that fall into the category of rural water systems, water companies, water cooperatives, water corporations, water districts, and conservancy districts.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $2,000 each to the Randolph County and St. Clair County DARE programs to purchase graduation award materials such as certificates, books, shirts, and medallions.
  These projects were initiated by Reitz.