$276,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Rockford Area

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $276,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Rockford area, including $196,000 to the Rock River Water Reclamation District to fund sewer improvement services for the School Street area in Rockford. The new sewer system will enable this depressed residential neighborhood to abandon its failing septic systems and meet Winnebago County Health Department regulations. The district will contribute $332,000.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Doug Scott, D-Rockford.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the City of Byron to purchase a building that will be renovated and converted into the City Municipal Center to house city offices and the Byron police department. The city will contribute $150,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. David A. Wirsing, R-Sycamore.

• $20,000 to the Institute for the Oneness of Humanity to purchase a van that will be used to transport neighborhood residents to educational, social, and health-related activities.
  This project was initiated by Scott.

• $10,000 to the Rockford Park District to develop and construct a multi-purpose turf sports field at the Sportscore II facility. The district will contribute $1,000,000.
  This project was initiated by Scott.