Ryan: $198,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Western Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $198,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Western Illinois, including $175,000 to the Tri County Fire Protection District to help purchase a new fire truck and new equipment.

The district, which serves some 1,600 residents, will purchases a new pumper/tanker truck, safety gear, a "jaws of life" cutting tool, portable lights and communications equipment for firefighters.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Rich Myers, R-Colchester.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $13,000 to the Salvation Army in Quincy to purchase computers and other equipment to manage client services.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Laura Kent Donahue, R-Quincy.

• $10,000 to the Teen Center in Beardstown for improvements to the building, including $4,400 for a new furnace and air conditioning system.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.