SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $308,450 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Northwest Illinois, including $75,000 to Montmorency Elementary School in Rock Falls to replace the roof, a classroom, and a hallway destroyed by a tornado. The school is contributing $391,915.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, R-Sterling.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the American Red Cross, Quad City Chapter to construct a new building.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Joel Brunsvold, D-Milan.

• $50,000 to the Oregon Village of Progress Foundation to purchase a sprinkler system. The Foundation is contributing $60,000.
  This project was initiated by Mitchell.

• $40,000 to the Henry County Emergency Services Association to construct an emergency service center to house an air medical helicopter. The association is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

• $35,000 to Edington Township to a purchase a building for the Township Road District Maintenance Garage and Township Offices. The township is contributing $26,000.
  This project was initiated by Brunsvold.

• $33,000 to the Tampico Area Historical Society to renovate their museum.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.

• $10,000 to the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.

• $9,200 to Geneseo Township to purchase computer and office equipment.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.

• $6,250 to the Apple River Fire Protection District to purchase 30 fire coats.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. I. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton.