Ryan: $1.5 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for North Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.535 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in North Central Illinois, including $950,000 to Bureau County to resurface County Highway 16 (Kentville Road).

By resurfacing the roadway, this will correct the serious rutting problem and meet the 80,000-pound truck route criteria as specified by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Carl E. Hawkinson, R-Galesburg and State Rep. David R. Leitch, R-Peoria.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $350,000 to the Village of Bartonville to erect a new Public Works facility.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. George P. Shadid, D-Peoria.

• $100,000 to Bureau County Board to renovate the front steps at the Bureau County Courthouse.
  This project was initiated by Leitch.

• $50,000 to the Village of Brimfield to purchase lighting for the baseball diamond in the Village Park, computer equipment and seal coating for a new cul-de-sac at the west end of Whitmore Street. The village is contributing $12,000.
  This project was initiated by Leitch.

• $35,000 to the Village of Gridley to asphalt the street through Gridley Cemetery.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. John W, Maitland, Jr., R-Bloomington.

• $25,000 to Marshall County Sheriff's Department to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by Rutherford.

• $20,000 to American Red Cross Heart of America Blood Service to purchase a self-contained mobile unit (SCU).
  This project was initiated by Leitch.

• $5,000 to Jewish Federation of Peoria to purchase office equipment.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ricca C. Slone, D-Peoria.