SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $758,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $600,000 to the Illinois Department of Agriculture to construct a cover over the warm up ring immediately south of the coliseum on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The cover will provide a safer environment in which to train and prepare and allow spectators to view the animals without being exposed to the weather.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to Illinois College to purchase and install telecommunications equipment and cabling for the Parker Science Building which will house the new science learning center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

• $40,000 to the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department Association, Inc., to purchase fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

• $18,500 to the Goodfield Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert A. Madigan, R-Lincoln.