$540,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for East Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $540,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in East Central Illinois, including $315,000 to the City of Arcola to renovate its municipal building.

The building's community room will be renovated into additional office and meeting space. The heating/air conditioning and ventilation systems will be reconfigured and the electrical system will be replaced. The city is contributing $29,195.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Stanley B. Weaver, R-Urbana.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $85,000 to the Bement Fire Protection District to construct a new firehouse.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Julie A. Curry, D-Mt. Zion.

• $50,000 to the Westfield Fire Protection District to build an addition to its fire house.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Judith A. Myers, R-Danville.

• $50,000 to the Oakland Fire Protection District to purchase a used pumper truck.
  This project was initiated by Myers.

• $40,000 to the City of Charleston to construct a band shelter in Kiwanis Park.
  This project was initiated by Myers.