$1.5 million in Illinois FIRST Projects for North Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.5 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in North Central Illinois, including $814,444 to the Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation in Peoria for converting its local public television station, WTVP, to a digital broadcast facility, as mandated by the FCC.

Failure to comply with the FCC mandate by 2003 would force the facility to close. Compliance will result in more and better programming for a greater viewing population.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $299,400 to the Village of Bartonville to purchase thermal imaging cameras, automated external defibrillators, turn out gear and an all-terrain vehicle for use by 25 area fire departments and fire protection districts.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. George Shadid, D-Edwards.

• $100,000 to the Knox County Sheriff's Department to purchase 21 automatic external defibrillators, a prisoner transport van, and four radar units.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Don Moffitt, R-Gilson.

• $75,000 to the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation in Peoria to renovate the G.A.R. Hall and purchase the historic Mineral Springs property. This project was initiated by State Rep. Ricca Slone, D-Peoria Heights.

• $50,000 to the Monmouth Police Department to purchase equipment and provide training for its tactical teams.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $40,000 to the Clover Township Fire Department to upgrade equipment on its rescue vehicle.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $30,000 to the Pontiac Rural Fire Protection District to purchase two defibrillator/vital sign monitors and one thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa.

• $20,000 to the City of Abingdon to purchase police and public safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $20,000 to Bishop Hill Heritage Association to restore the Colony's 1855 dairy building.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $18,720 to the Village of Gridley to purchase, install and wire an early warning siren.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington.