$534,499 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $534,499 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $115,000 to the Union County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency to construct a new building and to purchase a rescue truck for use in extrication operations.

The building will house offices, training areas, a bay storage area and also serve as a place for residents to take shelter during violent weather. The agency serves Union County which includes the Shawnee National Forest and a portion of Interstate 57.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to Massac County to renovate its courthouse.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jim Fowler, D-Harrisburg.

• $46,000 to the West Franklin Historical District & Genealogical Society to renovate the old Mulkeytown Grade School building, which houses a museum.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry D. Woolard, D-Carterville.

• $45,000 to Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. to delineate lines, points, and boundaries for one hundred of the not-for-profit organizations that fall into the category of rural water systems, water companies, water cooperatives, water corporations, water districts, and conservancy districts.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

• $40,000 to the Benton-West City Economic Development Corporation to purchase land for the Benton-West City connection to the Rend Lake Bike Trail System. The corporation is contributing $20,000.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $25,000 to the Sparta Community Chorus, Inc., to purchase stage curtains, a light board and dimmer packs and to install stage curtains for a new facility. The corporation is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the Village of Ruma to install curbs and gutters on Kaskaskia Street.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the Main Street Golconda, Inc., to create an office and staff to promote tourism along the Ohio River Heritage Route, a seven county area.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $20,000 to the Egyptian Public and Mental Health Department to establish a free community health clinic. The department will contribute $20,000 from local contributions.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $20,000 to the City of Cairo to renovate the stage at the Gem Theater. The city is contributing $70,256.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $18,500 to the West Frankfort Historical Society to purchase and install a gas furnace and an air conditioning unit.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $17,500 to the Massac County Mental Health & Family Counseling Corporation to renovate property for use as emergency housing and to update materials for its Pyschosocial Rehabilitation Program and Blossoms Program.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, Elmhurst.

• $15,000 to the Village of Ruma to install curbs and gutters on Kaskaskia Street.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

• $12,000 to Freeburg Township to provide a water supply and install a restroom facility for its township maintenance building.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to the Silkwood Inn to purchase and install heating and air conditioning, doors, windows, driveway rock, and exhibit cases and to secure insurance for a security system and electricity for one year.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $10,000 to the Stinson Library to replace the roof on its building.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to Prairie du Long Township to install an extension to a culvert and make road repairs on Leilich Road. The township is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to Pilot Knob Township to purchase a new road grader. The township is contributing $114,738.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to the Freeburg Fire Protection District to purchase fire suppression equipment and turn out gear.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Creal Springs Volunteer Fire Department to purchase fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $5,000 to the Percy Cemetery Board to repair monuments and/or foundations within the village's 1800's-era cemetery.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $2,500 to the Southern Seven Health Department to purchase a computer system, a printer, a digital camera and a popcorn machine.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $1,749 to the Saline County Sheriff Department to purchase an enclosed trailer.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $1,250 to the Egyptian Public & Mental Health Department to purchase a computer and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.