SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $210,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Rockford Area, including $200,000 to the Village of Stillman Valley to drill and construct test wells in order to find a viable water source to increase the quantity and improve the quality for the community.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Bradley Burzynski, R-Sycamore.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $10,000 to Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., to purchase furnishings for elderly persons with a life long history of mental illness. The corporation is contributing $85,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Chuck Jefferson, D- Rockford.