SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $524,499 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Northwest Suburbs, including $250,000 to the City of Evanston to redevelop the fire station and police headquarters into a new public safety building.

Renovations will include turning the old fire truck apparatus bays into administration offices for the fire department, the construction of office space on the second floor of the old fire station for the police department and heating/air conditioning and ventilation improvements throughout the complex. The city is contributing $2 million.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Kathleen K. Parker, R-Northbrook.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the City of Evanston to redevelop the fire station and police headquarters into a new public safety building. The city is contributing $2 million.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Julie Hamos, D-Chicago.

• $200,000 to the City of Evanston to redevelop the fire station and police headquarters into a new public safety building. The city is contributing $2 million.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg, D-Evanston.

• $60,000 to the Mount Prospect Public Library to purchase a new van, technical service workstations and to replace its youth public service desk.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Sullivan, R-Mt. Prospect.

• $25,000 to the 4 C Resource Center to support its scholarships for child care.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago.

• $15,000 to the Elizabeth Meyer School to purchase new library shelving, furniture and books, enhance the acoustics in the all-purpose room and to send teachers to workshops and conferences.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.