$300,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Western Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $300,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Western Illinois, including $250,000 to MacMurray College in Jacksonville to improve water flow and flood water management in and immediately adjacent to Town Brook between Hardin and Clay Streets.

The project will enhance the appearance of Town Brook by enabling the college to properly maintain the reconfigured north and south banks. It will also enhance on-campus, outdoor athletic facilities that occupy land beyond the flood flow restrictions on both sides of the creek. The completion of this project will reduce flooding in both the City of Jacksonville and on the college campus. The college is contributing $290,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Richard Myers, R-Colchester.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to Augusta Fire Protection District to provide training for its firefighters and to purchase fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-Liberty.

• $25,000 to the Carthage Clipper Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck. The village is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by Tenhouse.