SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $105,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Northwest Illinois, including $75,000 to the Carroll County Fair to make improvements to the grandstand.

The improvements will include the purchase and installation of a partial covering over the seating area and eleven new rows of bleachers at the west end.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to the Mt. Carroll School District 304 to purchase a Greenhouse building kit for its Greenhouse Learning Laboratory. $25,000 is being contributed from local donations.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

• $5,000 to the Ogle County Hospice Association to support the startup of a resale shop.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.