SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $8.6 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in DuPage County, including $7.3 million to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. The grant will be used for the following:

• $5,000,000 to preserve and stabalize the Salt Creek Greenway through Central DuPage County.

• $1,000,000 to rehab the historic Tudor Mansion located in Mayslake Forest Preserve that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• $1,000,000 to rehab the Dan and Ada Rice House and several farm buildings in the Danada Forest Preserve.

• $300,000 to provide exhibits for the Fullersburg Environmental Education Center in Fullersburg Woods.

These Illinois FIRST projects were initiated by Senate President James "Pate" Philip, R-Wood Dale.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $1,000,000 to Elmhurst College to construct a telescope observatory and to renovate the Schaible Science Center Auditorium.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

• $300,000 to the Deike Center for Visual Rehabilitation to construct a new facility in Wheaton. The organization is contributing $403,765.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton.