$455,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Kankakee and Illinois River Valleys

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $455,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Kankakee and the Illinois River Valleys, including $150,000 to the Gardner Fire Department to remodel and expand its fire station.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick D. Welch, D-Peru.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Housing Foundation of Will County to make plumbing repairs to the piping system and shower units at its Daybreak Homeless Shelter.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry M. Walsh, D-Elwood.

• $100,000 to the Village of Seneca to construct a new water main. The village is contributing $56,200.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

• $50,000 to the Village of Essex to conduct a feasibility study for an Essex Area Water and Sanitary Sewer District.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $30,000 to Tonica Grade School to pave and stripe two school parking lots.
  This project was initiated by Welch.

• $25,000 to the Will/Grundy Center of Independent Living to upgrade its computer system.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jack D. McGuire, D-Joliet.