$2.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for the Rockford Area

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2,133,200 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Rockford area, including $900,000 to the Rockford Park District to make park and museum improvements.

The Riverfront Museum will install a new heating and air conditioning unit in order to achieve museum accreditation and to preserve artifacts. Playground equipment will be replaced at six locations to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act safety standards. Davis Festival Park will develop an inner city riverfront park with entertainment and festival venues. The district is contributing $1.775 million.

This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $863,200 to the Rock River Water Reclamation District to provide sanitary sewer access to 166 homes in the Auburn Street area that are currently on septic systems. The district is contributing $1.4 million.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Doug Scott, D-Rockford.

• $300,000 to the Kishwaukee Family YMCA, DeKalb for renovations to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act. The community and local businesses are contributing $3.5 million.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. David A. Wirsing, R-Sycamore.

• $30,000 to the Kirkland Hiawatha School District to provide an outdoor lighting system at its sports complex. The district is contributing $35,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ronald A. Wait, R-Belvidere.

• $30,000 to the Millennium Center to demolish the former Boys and Girls Club building located on Walnut Street in Rockford.
  This project was initiated by Syverson.

• $10,000 to the Northern Illinois Minority Contractors Association to purchase a computer system.
  This project was initiated by Scott.