$181,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for the Southwest Suburbs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $181,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago's southwest suburbs, including $100,000 to Campton Township to renovate the historic Wasco Great Western Train Depot.

The renovations will be done in a manner that preserves the building's historic integrity, provides safe public access, and maximizes public benefit. The depot will provide a forum for educational programs, the exhibition of historic artifacts and will serve as a visitors center for the Great Western Trail.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner, R-Aurora.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $46,000 to the Lisle Foundation for Educational Excellence to purchase supplies and secure resources for the gifted programs in the Lisle schools.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary Lou Cowlishaw, R-Naperville.

• $25,000 to the Kendall County Sheriff's Department to purchase communications equipment for its "Special Response Team".
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego.

• $10,000 to the Aurora Recreation Center, Inc. to purchase equipment and supplies for its after school and tutoring programs and sports clinics.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Timothy L. Schmitz, R-Batavia.