SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $3.181 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in DuPage County, including $2.5 million to the DuPage County Board to expand and remodel the county jail administrative office.

The current space has not been increased since the early 80's and is not large enough to house current personnel and equipment. The county is contributing $1.5 million.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by Senate President James "Pate" Philip, R-Wood Dale.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $125,000 to Community Unit School District 200 to purchase technology equipment for high school computer labs.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Randall M. Hultgren, R-Wheaton.

• $100,000 to the Downers Grove Township Highway Department to construct a bike path along Clarendon Hills Road in Timberlake. The township is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. James "Jim" Meyer, R-Bolingbrook.

• $100,000 to Giant Steps, a nonprofit organization that provides educational and therapeutic services for children with autism and related developmental disabilities in the Chicago area, to help purchase a new building for its program and administrative offices.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patricia "Patti" Bellock, R-Hinsdale.

• $90,000 to the Village of Glen Ellyn to purchase land at the corner of Taylor Avenue and Walnut Street to serve as open space for users of the Illinois Prairie Path.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton.

• $35,000 to the Winfield Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera and emergency extrication equipment.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $35,000 to the Warrenville Fire Protection District to purchase traffic preemption units and to replace the roof at its station.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $35,000 to the Naperville Fire Department to purchase a van and fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $35,000 to the City of Warrenville to purchase a speed/message cart, portable radios, flashlights and in-car video transmitters for a "Safety First Program."
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $35,000 to the City of Naperville to rent office space for a Neighborhood Service Center, which will be operated and managed by its police department.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $30,000 to the Bensenville Park District to purchase a van and a dump truck. The district is contributing $13,034.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, Elmhurst.

• $20,000 to the Naperville Park District to purchase and install three mobile data computers in park police squad cars.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $16,000 to Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to provide counseling and mental health services to youth and their families. United Way is contributing $220,000.
  This project was initiated by Bellock.

• $15,000 to Milton Township to purchase a van, a lockable storage cage, a freezer and shelving for its Food Pantry.
  This project was initiated by Hultgren.

• $10,000 to Lawrence Hall Youth Services,Hinsdale, to replace entry and security doors and to purchase food and kitchen supplies for its Therapeutic Day School.
  This project was initiated by Bellock.