SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $150,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $100,000 to the Department of Agriculture to complete construction of a shelter over the warm-up ring south of the Coliseum on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to the City of Jacksonville for the Prairie Land Heritage Museum Institute, an open air museum that provides visitors with a realistic view of a small farming community.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

• $25,000 to the Jersey County Historical Society for improvements to the Cheney House, an historic site and the location of the Society.
  This project was initiated by Ryder.