Ryan: $125,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central DuPage County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $125,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central DuPage County, including $50,000 to the Village of Downers Grove to help purchase a new vehicle for the fire department's rescue squad.

The current vehicle in use by the squad is more than 10 years old and cannot carry all of the specialized equipment needed. The new vehicle will be able to carry "jaws of life" tools, an air supply, electric generators, lights and other rescue equipment. The rescue squad responds to all fires within the department's coverage zone, which serves 50,000 people. The district's secondary coverage zone includes 500,000 people. The village will contribute $125,000.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to Downers Grove High School District 99 for repairs to bleachers at both of the district's high schools. Required annual inspections have found defects in the bleachers at both schools used for football, basketball, swimming and baseball. The district will contribute $14,900.

• $25,000 to the Rosalie Dold Center for Children to purchase specialized computer software to help track patient records. The Center is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services to 1,600 children with disabilities.

These Illinois FIRST projects were initiated by State Rep. Vince Persico, R-Glen Ellyn.