SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,538,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Northwest Suburbs, including $280,000 to the Village of Palatine for the construction of a new fire station. The village will contribute $322,875.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $260,000 to Elk Grove Village to replace residential lighting at key intersections throughout the village. The village will contribute $22,000.

• $175,000 to the Village of Arlington Heights to purchase property in its central business district for construction of an urban plaza.

• $150,000 to the Village of Hoffman Estates to remodel and construct an addition to Fire Station 23. The village will contribute $172,350.

• $100,000 to the Rolling Meadows Park District to make various improvements to Kimball Hill Park.

• $100,000 to the Palatine Park District to renovate a portion of the Palatine Community Center in order to meet ADA requirements. The district will contribute $1,975,000.

• $90,000 to the Arlington Heights Park District to upgrade the outdated playground in order to meet current safety and accessibility standards.

• $85,000 to the Palatine Park District for the installation of playground equipment and a pedestrian bridge over Buffalo Creek. Local homeowners will contribute $40,000 and the park district will contribute $9,400.

• $83,000 to the Village of Schaumburg to purchase extrication tools, defibrillators and other equipment for use throughout the village.

• $50,000 to the Village of Inverness to purchase an existing structure that will be renovated for use as a village hall annex. The village will contribute $101,400.

• $50,000 to the City of Rolling Meadows to finance a portion of the stabilization of the banks of Salt Creek. The city will contribute $95,000.

• $50,000 to the Hoffman Estates Park District to fund stabilization of the severely eroding shoreline of the 3.5 acre lake at Chestnut Park. The district will contribute $31,360.

• $45,000 to the Glenview Park District to purchase a large van to transport senior citizens to and from programs offered by the Glenview Senior Club.

• $20,000 to Centre East Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority to make improvements to the Northshore Performing Arts Center and the Northfield Theater.