$1.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.1 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois, including $400,000 to the City of Belleville to make improvements to Citizens Park.

The improvements will include upgrading the American Legion baseball field, and construction of a covered grandstand, a concession stand, an access roadway, a parking lot and American with Disabilities Act compliant restrooms. The city is contributing $236,030.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Holbrook, D-Belleville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to Senior Services Plus, Inc. to convert the Thomas Jefferson School in Alton into a senior center.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Evelyn Bowles, D-Edwardsville.

• $79,302 to Fayette Water Company, Inc. to make repairs and to purchase equipment for the water treatment plant and raw water system. This will provide clean, safe water to the communities of St. Elmo, Brownstown, St. Peter, and other rural residents of Fayette, Effingham, and Shelby Counties.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle.

• $60,000 to the Village of Damiansville to purchase and install a rural water line extension to homes in the area surrounding the village.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville.

• $50,000 to the Village of Swansea to develop and enhance the current facilities located at Melvin Price Park. The development includes the construction of restroom facilities, a concession stand area, and equipment storage.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jay C. Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $50,000 to the City of Wood River to remove lime from the city's north lagoon. The city is contributing $10,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Steve Davis, D-Bethalto.

• $45,000 to Signal Hill Fire Protection Association, Inc. to purchase and install emergency vehicle traffic signals within the district.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr., D-Belleville.

• $40,000 to the O'Fallon Fire Department to upgrade its fire fighting equipment. This includes the purchase of air-pack systems and special extrication equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Troy.

• $30,000 to the Collinsville Memorial Public Library Foundation to construct a wheelchair lift and other upgrades to the Blum House in Collinsville.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $25,000 to the Comprehensive Mental Health Center of St. Clair County to raze a building adjacent to the center in order to provide more parking spaces.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $20,000 to the Centreville Youth Athletic Program to purchase equipment for a football program, including a scoreboard, uniforms, and liability insurance for each player.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $20,000 to Granite City School District to install a new lighting system for the purpose of upgrading and improving the high school athletic facilties at Granite City Senior High School. The school district will be matching $80,000 to the project.
  This project was initiated by Clayborne.

• $15,000 to the Village of Swansea Fire Department to construct a building behind the existing fire house to store fire equipment.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $10,000 to the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department to purchase turnout gear, a portable defibrillator, and air packs. The grant also will fund the purchase of a new vehicle.
  This project was initiated by Granberg.

• $10,000 to the Alton Volunteer Emergency Corporation to purchase a new boat for emergency situations on waterways running through several counties.
  This project was initiated by Davis.

• $10,000 to the Pontoon Beach Senior Citizens Center to make general upgrades to the center, including a new roof.
  This project was initiated by Davis.