Ryan: $165,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Western Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $165,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Western Illinois, including $100,000 to the Mid-American Intermodal Authority Port District to study the needs and potential for a new public inland intermodal transport terminal encompassing rail, highway, river and air services in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

There are currently no suitable public terminals for handling the cargo of multiple shippers on the upper Mississippi River. The establishment of a public inland intermodal transport terminal will enable many people to participate in international trade and stimulate the economy of rural Illinois.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Laura Kent Donahue, R-Quincy.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $25,000 to the Warsaw Rural Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire engine. The district is contributing $156,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-Liberty

• $25,000 to the North Pike Fire Protection District to purchase fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Tenhouse.

• $15,000 to the Henderson County Health Department to construct and enclose a television/activity room, a bathroom and kitchen and to purchase exercise and kitchen equipment, a computer, and to repair a roof.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.