SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $987,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois, including $500,000 to Granite City to purchase a weather warning system, a truck and end loader for its sanitation and street departments, safety equipment, cars and technology equipment for the Police, replace the driveway to Fire Station One and to make drainage improvements to Dobrey Slough.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas Holbrook, D-Belleville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $135,000 to East St. Louis District 189 to develop a construction trades training project and to hire a Family Resource Development Attendance Officer.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis.

• $90,000 to the Village of Aviston to pave Russland Road from Old Route 50 to new Route 50.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Troy.

• $35,000 to the Glen Carbon Police Department to purchase a new emergency vehicle and equipment.
  This project was initiated State Rep. Jay C. Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $35,000 to the Community Care Center, Granite City to purchase a refrigerated truck.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville.

• $34,052 to Fairmont City to purchase emergency rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Younge.

• $25,000 to the Midway Fire Protection District to train and equip 15 fire fighters.
  This project was initiated by Younge.

• $25,000 to the Grantfork Fire Protection District to purchase training, fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Stephens.

• $25,000 to the City of Centreville to assist in renovating the Village Theatre.
  This project was initiated by Younge.

• $20,000 to the Bond County Sheriff's Department to purchase a new computer system.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Frank C. Watson, R-Greenville.

• $15,000 to the Village of Roxana to extend Rose Avenue to create a new intersection with Herbert Avenue.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Steve Davis, D-Bethalto.

• $10,000 to the Bond County Historical Society to make improvements to the Hoiles-Davis Museum.
  This project was initiated by Watson.

• $10,000 to the Ramsey Fire Protection District to purchase turn out gear, a defibrillator and air packs.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt M. Granberg, D-Carlyle.

• $10,000 to the Village of Pontoon Beach to purchase an advance storm warning siren.
  This project was initiated by Holbrook.

• $7,500 to the Mulberry Grove Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire hose.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.

• $6,000 to Collinsville Township to purchase and install smoke detectors and fire alarms in its senior center.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $5,000 to the East St. Louis Renaissance Literary Art Press to support the production of its Miles Davis Arts Festival.
  This project was initiated by Younge.