Ryan: $440,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Northwest Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $440,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Northwest Illinois, including $250,000 to JoDaviess County Soil and Water Conservation District to place in public ownership and provide conservation management to approximately 206 acres of pasture and woodland at the east edge of Galena.

This secures economic benefits for Galena and surrounding area tourism. It will allow for improved protection of natural resources and water quality.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $120,000 to Highland Community College to construct a YMCA Child Care Training Center. Highland Community College, YMCA, Highland CC Foundation, and private donors are contributing $758,512.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo.

• $20,000 to Hillsdale Fire Protection District to drill a new well and install a new pump head.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Denny Jacobs, D-Moline.

• $10,000 to Lena Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ronald Lawfer, R-Freeport.

• $10,000 to the City of Dixon to renovate public boat ramp and purchase a new launching dock.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, R-Rock Falls.

• $10,000 to Franklin Grove Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.

• $10,000 to Lanark Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.

• $10,000 to Rock City Fire Protection District to purchase a thermal imaging camera.
  This project was initiated by Sieben.