$370,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for East Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $370,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in East Central Illinois, including $150,000 to the Historic Properties Preservation Foundation of Decatur, an organization that raises and distributes funds to help renovate and restore historic properties.

These funds will be used to renovate the historic Culver House and bring the exterior of the home up to code.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Duane Noland, R-Blue Mound.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Village of Cisco to build an addition to its water treatment plant and upgrade related equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Julie Curry, D-Mt. Zion.

• $50,000 to Raymond Township to purchase a new truck that will be used for snow removal throughout the township.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Stanley Weaver, R-Urbana.

• $50,000 to the City of Bement to make repairs to its municipal swimming pool to comply with Department of Public Health recommendations. The village is contributing $62,743.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $20,000 to the Urbana Jewish Federation to enhance service and programs offered by its "Hillel Foundation," which is located on the University of Illinois campus.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Rick Winkel, R-Champaign.