Ryan: $1.3 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.3 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois including $1,000,000 to the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation to design, fabricate, install and maintain exhibits at the Great Rivers Museum.

The museum is located at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton. The exhibits will provide residents, tourists and school children with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the City of Madison for the construction costs of its new firehouse at Third Street. The city contributed $1.63 million.

• $50,000 to the Katherine Dunham Center for Arts and Humanities to support its programs, workshops and seminars. This project was initiated by State Rep. Wyvetter H. Younge, D-East St. Louis.

• $5,000 to the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois to purchase and install an elevator at its facility. This project was initiated by State Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville.