Ryan: $1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Northwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.08 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Northwestern Illinois, including $250,000 to the Village of Elizabeth in Jo Daviess County to help purchase and preserve 200 acres of natural area that borders the historic town of Galena.

From this property, west-bound travelers on U.S. Route 20 receive their first panoramic view of historic Galena and the surrounding countryside. Local officials want this area protected from development in order to help reserve the unique historic nature of Galena. Local businesses and landowners are working with area government leaders to raise other funds needed to purchase more land in the area.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to Carbon Cliff-Barstow School District 36 in Rock Island Countyto help construct a new elementary and junior high school to replace two older schools that are overcrowded.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Denny Jacobs, D-East Moline.

• $150,000 to Mercer County to repair and improve Matherville Road from Sixth Street to Main Street in Matherville.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $105,000 to the City of East Moline to help fund the purchase of a thermal imaging camera that allows firefighters to see through smoke, new breathing equipment for the fire department, and the extension of a water main to Northeast Park for a fire hydrant and for an underground sprinkler system.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $80,000 to the Village of Coal Valley to help buy playground equipment for three community parks - Post Office Park, 19th Avenue Park and West 2nd Avenue Park.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $70,000 to the City of Savanna to help purchase five parcels of land adjacent to Marquette Park and the Mississippi River that will be used for recreation. The city will contribute $65,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

• $50,000 to the Village of Port Byron to purchase a four-wheel-drive vehicle, new breathing equipment and a new defibrillator for the police and fire departments.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $50,000 to the City of Fulton to help fund a downtown revitalization project that includes new lighting, new landscaping and other improvements. The city will contribute $14,500.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $38,000 to the River Bend Library System to buy two trucks for delivery services between the system's member libraries.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $25,000 to the Village of Rapids City to help build a gazebo and improve the trails and bike paths at Shuler's Shady Grove, a riverfront park in the city. The trail is part of the multi-state Great River Trail.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.

• $12,000 to the Silvis Area Youth Baseball and Softball, Inc. to improve seven sandlots, buy new lighting, build a storage shed and purchase new game equipment.
  This project was initiated by Jacobs.