Governor Announces $1 Million For Kankakee County 911 System

KANKAKEE -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced a $1 million Illinois FIRST grant to upgrade the 911 communications system in Kankakee County.

The funding will be allocated to the Kankakee County Emergency Telephone System Board enabling the county to create a common emergency channel and providing compatible emergency communication equipment to each municipality. The upgrade guarantees that every municipality and public safety agency will be linked to the 911 communication network, providing reliable emergency services to the entire county.

"This system will allow a faster, more reliable response to emergencies throughout the county," Governor Ryan said. "By having so many agencies able to communicate with each other, emergency personnel can be sure that the proper help is on the way.

"And we all know that can be the difference between life and death. "Illinois FIRST is the 5-year, $12 billion dollar initiative designed by Governor Ryan to build, repair and upgrade the unmet critical infrastructure needs facing the citizens of Illinois.

"This project is the perfect example of vital improvements that would continue to go unfunded without Illinois FIRST," Governor Ryan added. "Through Illinois FIRST we are making a strong commitment to the health, education and well being of our citizens."