SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $720,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the south suburbs, including $200,000 to the Village of Thornton to construct, equip and furnish an observatory/learning center at the Material Services Corporation's stone quarry.

A consulting firm will provide a detailed study and architectural/design plan. Land will be acquired and water and sewer systems will be extended to the new facility site.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $175,000 to the Calumet City Burnham Emergency Telephone System Board to purchase and install mobile data terminals in police cars.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William "Bill" Shaw, D-Chicago.

• $125,000 to Community Family Services and Mental Health Association to remodel its facility at Archer Road in Summit.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Eileen Lyons, R-Western Springs.

• $100,000 to Calumet Park Baseball Association to construct a little league baseball diamond at Troublemakers Park.
  This project was initiated by Shaw.

• $50,000 to Guild Haus to renovate its main facility at West Canal Street in Blue Island.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick J. O'Malley, Palos Park.

• $30,000 to Northeastern Illinois University for the Harold Washington Institute for research and policy studies.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harold Murphy, D-Markham.

• $20,000 to the Village of Dixmoor to construct a little league baseball field and to purchase baseball uniforms and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Murphy.

• $10,000 to the Crisis Center of South Suburbia to purchase and install carpet in an addition to its facility. The organization is contributing $64,745.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Maggie Crotty, D-Oak Forest.

• $5,000 to Together We Cope to pay rent and utilities for one month on a larger facility.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.

• $5,000 to the Alsip Park District to purchase swimming pool furniture.
  This project was initiated by Crotty.