Ryan: $5.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $5.268 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois, including $4,000,000 to the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA), to provide affordable housing to low income families in East St. Louis.

A low interest loan will be provided by SWIDA for the development of Parsons Place L.P. that will be located in the Emerson Park neighborhood. The development will provide housing to approximately 350 persons and be a catalyst for future development in the neighborhood. Local and city agencies are contributing $15,232,000.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $445,000 to the City of Belleville to purchase a new fire truck and equipment.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas Holbrook, D-Belleville.

• $200,000 to the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation to install a HVAC system in the William E. and Florence Schmidt Art Center. The college is contributing $1,400,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Evelyn M. Bowles, D-Edwardsville.

• $150,000 to the City of Edwardsville to continue the "Streetscape" program, which consists of infrastructure improvements along state highway routes in Edwardsville. The city is contributing $75,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jay C. Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $150,000 to the Village of Glen Carbon to develop and improve land and structures at Miner Park. The village is contributing $105,000.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $50,000 to the Village of Swansea to develop a park in the northern portion of the village.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $40,000 to Worden Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck.
  This program was initiated by State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Troy.

• $39,500 to the Village of Swansea to purchase equipment for the police department.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $25,000 to Call for Help, Inc.-Edgemont to provide education and counseling on sexual assault.
  This project was initiated by Bowles.

• $25,000 to the Village of Swansea to purchase a police car.
  This project was initiated by Bowles.

• $25,000 to the Village of Maryville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $22,000 to Collinsville Township to install new waterlines in the far eastern portion of the township.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $20,000 to Edwardsville Township to repair roofs on shelters, ice rink and bathroom facilities at Edwardsville Township Park.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $20,000 to the Village of Swansea to purchase an industrial tractor for the maintenance of sports fields and public park grounds.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $20,000 to the Village of Swansea to purchase a new senior citizen van.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $10,000 to Fairview Heights Library to purchase a computer, design and maintain a web site.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $10,000 to Edwardsville Library to purchase and install power assist operators for the front door.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $10,000 to Worden Fire Department to purchase equipment for a fire truck.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Frank C. Watson, R-Carlyle.

• $3,000 to Shattuc Ferrin Lighting District to purchase, install and maintain a lighting system for a rural area not covered under any other system.
  This project was initiated by Watson.

• $3,500 to Collinsville Township to install 2 single automatic door openers at the entrance of the Collinsville Township Building.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.