SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $130,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Kankakee and Illinois river valleys, including $100,000 to the Jackson Township Highway Department to purchase three new dump trucks. The township is contributing $55,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, D-Elwood.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $15,000 to the Pilot Township Fire Protection District to purchase pagers.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

• $15,000 to the Kankakee County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc., to purchase and install a fence and an electronic gate and openers, blacktop for a basketball court and to make plumbing repairs in the facilitiy's bathroom and kitchen.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Philip Novak, D-Bradley.