Ryan: $215,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $215,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $50,000 to the Lawrence County Fair Association to assist with handicapped accessible renovations at the fairgrounds.

Renovations will include the addition of accessible parking stalls, a paved route from the parking lot to the facility, ramps and seating complete with platforms in the Grandstand, accessible restrooms in the Exhibition Building and the installation of assisstive listening stations.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Charles A. Hartke, D-Teutopolis.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the Lawrence County Fair Association to assist with handicapped accessible renovations at the fairgrounds.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William L. O'Daniel, D-Mt Vernon.

• $45,000 to the City of Brookport to purchase a backhoe.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry Woolard, D-Carterville.

• $30,000 to the Rosiclare Fire Department to purchase a new fire rescue truck.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

• $12,000 to the Beck Area Career Center, Red Bud, to purchase technology equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

• $10,000 to the Johnston City Public Library to purchase a computer, software, internet access, audios, videos and books.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $10,000 to the Village of Richview to make repairs to its city hall.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $5,000 to the Mound City National Cemetery Preservation Commission, Inc., to purchase displays, exhibits and informational materials pertaining to the history of the cemetery and the Ohio River byway.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $3,000 to the Village of Carrier Mills to purchase a table and chairs for its community center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jim Fowler, D-Harrisburg.