SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,142,400 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $250,000 to the Southwestern School Foundation to construct the Southwestern Athletic Facility in Piasa.

The facility will consist of an all-weather track, a grandstand and a separate building that will house a concession stand with restroom facilities. This project will serve all communities within a 175 square mile area, benefiting 20,000. The foundation is contributing $160,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jersyville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $175,000 to the Bunker Hill Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $64,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

• $102,400 to the Logan County Sheriff's Department to purchase and distribute automatic external defibrillators to the following Sheriff's Departments:
  Logan County (6)
  Mason County (4)
  DeWitt County (5)
  Woodford County (5)
  Tazewell County (12)
  This project was initiated by Robert A. Madigan, R-Lincoln.

• $100,000 to the Murrayville-Woodson Emergency Ambulance Service to purchase one new ambulance and one used ambulance. The villages are contributing $20,000.
  This project was initiated by Demuzio.

• $100,000 to the Scottville-Modesto Rural Fire Protection District to renovate its two fire stations and to purchase a new fire truck.
  This project was initiated by Demuzio.

• $70,000 to the Village of Creve Coeur to purchase municipal equipment for the street, water, fire and police departments.
  This project was initiated by Keith P. Sommer, R-Mackinaw.

• $70,000 to the Secor Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $96,695.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $60,000 to the Kilbourne Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $50,000 to the Deer Creek District Library to construct a new library facility.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.

• $50,000 to Tazewell County to purchase and install two emergency warning systems in Mackinaw Township.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $30,000 to the Village of Bellflower to replace the air conditioning and heating system at its community center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John W. Turner, R-Atlanta.

• $25,000 to the Village of Washburn to purchase and install a new generator on the public water supply system. The village is contributing $30,000.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Olio Township Road District to construct a bridge. The district and Woodford County are contributing $160,000.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Elm Grove Township to purchase a new two ton truck, dump bed and snow plow. The township is contributing $40,000.
  This project was initiated by Sommer.

• $20,000 to Kansas Township to construct a combination township office/equipment storage building.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.