SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $127,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Northwest Illinois, including $100,000 to the City of Dixon to construct streets, water mains and new sanitary sewer lines within the Lee County Industrial Development Association Industrial Park. Lee County is contributing $46,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $22,000 to the Northwest Illinois Community Action Agency to purchase a cargo van for its delivery of meals to senior citizens residing in Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton.

• $5,000 to the Ogle County Hospice Association to establish a resale shop.
  This project was initiated by Lawfer.