$1.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Kankakee and Illinois River Valleys

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.2 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Kankakee and Illinois River Valleys, including $500,000 to the Will County Community Development Department to make various improvements to the Clearview Sanitary sewer and water system. The county is contributing $1.5 million.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. "Larry" Walsh, D-Elwood.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $150,000 to the Gardner Volunteer Fire Department to renovate the current fire station which will allow and accommodate joint fire training with surrounding fire departments. The Fire Department is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

• $150,000 to the City of Manhattan to improve traffic signals at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Front Street/Manhattan Road in Will County.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $50,000 to Cornerstone Services, Inc. to renovate a building which provides various training programs for participants who meet the criteria of the Department of Human Services' Office of Developmental Disabilities Developmental Training Program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jack McGuire, D-Joliet.

• $50,000 to the Joliet Park District to purchase new equipment, including diesel pickups and sign cutting materials.
  This project was initiated by McGuire.

• $50,000 to Joliet Township for the Joliet Township Road District to improve an existing bridge and approach roadways. The township is contributing $125,400.
  This project was initiated by McGuire.

• $50,000 to the Peter Claver Center to fund a tutoring program, including textbooks and software. The center provides community-based programs to economically disadvantaged students between first and eighth grades.
  This project was initiated by McGuire.

• $50,000 to the Trailways Girl Scout Council to construct the foundation and substructure of new training rooms at the Scouts Program and Activity Center. The Council is contributing $2.8 million.
  This project was initiated by McGuire.

• $25,000 to the Forest Park Community Center to operate after school programs. The center provides a safe, stimulating environment for low to middle income youth in grades K to 12.
  This project was initiated by McGuire.

• $25,000 to the Village of Elwood for educational programs at the Children's Garden Project. The project provides an outdoor classroom for students and a place of beauty and pride for the community.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $25,000 to the Manteno Veteran's Home to purchase a bus for transportation to the veterans' hospitals and other veterans' social events in the area.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $20,000 to the Manteno Veteran's Home to purchase a bus for transportation.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $20,000 to the Manteno Veteran's Home to purchase a bus for transportation.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. J. Phillip Novak, D-Bradley.

• $20,000 to the Will County Fair Association to reconstruct and repave the north and south parking lot and repave existing roadways within the fairgrounds.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $11,000 to the Minooka C.C.S.D. #201 for the Grundy County Preschool Program transportation costs.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $10,000 to the Peotone Historical Society to renovate the Old Mill and return the structure to its original condition.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $10,000 to St. Rose Catholic Church, Kuzma Care Cottage to purchase food, supplies and personal products for the Community Food Pantry.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $8,000 to the Village of Braceville to purchase a tractor and mower to maintain soccer fields, baseball fields, cemetaries and ditches.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $5,000 to Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. to delineate lines, points and boundaries for one hundred of the not-for-profits that fall into the category of rural water systems, water companies, water cooperatives, water corporations, water districts and conservancy districts. This project was initiated by Walsh.