$281,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $281,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois, including $101,000 to the Madison County Fair Association to construct a new cattle building. The existing cattle barn, which is too costly to be repaired, will be demolished and a new building with wider aisles and better space use for exhibitors will be constructed. The improved accessibility and safety of the new building will benefit thousands of exhibitors and visitors to the fairgrounds.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Troy.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Clinton County Project for Older Americans to purchase land on Methodist Avenue to construct a new senior center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt M. Granberg, D-Carlyle.

• $25,000 to the Village of Pontoon Beach to purchase and install a storm warning siren system.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Steve Davis, D-Bethalto.

• $25,000 to the Girl Scouts of Shagbark Council to construct a lodge in the Centralia/Salem area and to provide ongoing camp scholarships and to support the annual Coats for Kids Drive.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.

• $20,000 to St. Clair Township to complete the purchase and installation of storm sewer piping. The township is contributing $313,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jay C. Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $10,000 to Main Street Salem Inc., to erect a flag pole at the intersection of I-57 and Route 50. The organization is contributing $10,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Frank C. Watson, R-Greenville.