$585,300 in Illinois FIRST Projects for North Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $585,300 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in North Central Illinois, including $175,000 to the City of Pekin to revitalize its riverfront district.

An area between Court Street and Margaret Street west of downtown Pekin will include the construction of a pier dock, a public plaza, an observation area, a walkway, floating boat docks and fishing spots. The city is contributing $600,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. George P. Shadid, D-Edwards.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Alexis Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper/rescue truck. The district is contributing $115,701.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Donald L. Moffitt, R-Gilson.

• $40,000 to the Altona Fire Protection District to repay a USDA loan for the purchase of a new fire truck. Knox County is contributing $119,000.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $38,000 to the Village of Gridley to replace sidewalks and install lighting.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. John W. Maitland, Jr., R-Bloomington.

• $30,000 to the Gold Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The department is contributing $39,043.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $30,000 to the Knoxville Fire Protection District to purchase a new brush truck.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $30,000 to the Kewanee City Fire Department to purchase new doors and openers for a new addition.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $28,500 to the West Peoria Fire Protection District to purchase pagers, air pack replacements and a hose.
  This project was initiated by Shadid.

• $20,000 to the City of Wyoming to enclose an open storm ditch in its downtown area.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. David R. Leitch, R-Peoria.

• $20,000 to the City of Knoxville to purchase a dump truck. The city is contributing $10,763.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $15,000 to the Village of Rio to purchase and install a new backup generator.
  This project was initiated by Moffitt.

• $15,000 to the Bloomington Township Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington.

• $13,500 to the Brimfield Fire Protection District to purchase a new brush truck.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Carl E. Hawkinson, R-Galesburg.

• $13,500 to the Brimfield Fire Protection District to purchase a new brush truck. The district is contributing $16,785.
  This project was initiated by Shadid.

• $7,300 to the Cuba Fire Protection District to purchase airpacks.
  This project was initiated by Shadid.

• $7,000 to the Cuba Fire Protection District to purchase airpacks.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael K. Smith, D-Canton.

• $2,500 to the City of Peoria Neighborhood Development Commission to provide neighborhood associations with grants to beautify neighborhoods.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ricca C. Slone, D-Peoria Heights.