SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $160,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Lake County, including $100,000 to the Village of Green Oaks to construct a 12-foot wide acceleration lane with a shoulder on eastbound Illinois Route 176 east of Ashford Drive.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to Warren Township to equip and remodel a facility to be used as a senior/teen center. The township is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Adeline J. Geo-Karis, R-Zion.

• $10,000 to the Ragdale Foundation to supplement the salary for its director of marketing and programming and to support its Artist-in-the-Schools and Young Writers programs.
  This project was initiated by Garrett.