Ryan: $3.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central and North Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $3.29 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central and North Central Illinois, including $60,000 to Lincoln Elementary District 27 to purchase and install lighting and bleachers for the softball and baseball fields at Ralph Gale Field.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Claude "Bud" Stone, R-Morton.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $40,000 to the Knox County Rural Improvement Foundation to construct a new community center in the Village of Yates City. $300,000 from fundraising activities is being contributed.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Michael K. Smith, D-Canton.

• $40,000 to the Knox County Rural Improvement Foundation to construct a new community center in the Village of Yates City.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. George P. Shadid, D-Edwards.

• $10,000 to the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society to pay off a portion of the mortgage on the building to house the Society. The Society is contributing $7,500, the Woods Foundation is contributing $6,000 and the Caterpillar Corporation is contributing $2,500.
  This project was initiated by Stone.