$145,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Northwest Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $145,000 in in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Northwest Illinois, including $100,000 to the City of Silvis to expand its public library.

A building adjacent to the library will be remodeled and will include a children's area, an office, a work room and a small meeting room. Additional space in the existing library will include computers and enlarged shelving space. The city and the library are contributing $261,767.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $45,000 to the City of Silvis to conduct an engineering study for repairs to the Hero Street Monument and to purchase the granite base for a new monument.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Denny Jacobs, D-East Moline.