Ryan: $1.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for North Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,234,468 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in North Central Illinois, including $1 million to Bradley University to upgrade technology at both the Cullom-Davis Library and the Olin Hall of Science.

Improvements at the library will include the installation of a wireless laptop computer system that allows library users to check out books and other materials instantly via computer, without having to stop at a central check-out desk. Improvements at Olin Hall include up-to-date network equipment and multimedia presentation systems for laboratories.

This Illinois FIRST grant was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels, R-Elmhurst.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $80,000 to the Center for Manufacturing Excellence, Galesburg to purchase equipment and to repay a loan, which was used for the startup of its center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Donald L. Moffitt, R-Gilson.

• $60,000 to the Pike County Historical Society to renovate the Shastid House and Historic East School. The society is contributing $15,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Laura Kent Donahue, R-Quincy.

• $50,000 to the Springdale Cemetery, Peoria to repair and preserve its burial records and to renovate its office facilities.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Ricca C. Slone, D-Peoria Heights.

• $25,168 to the following Police Departments to purchase and install a mobile data terminal.
  • $7,200 to North Pekin,
  initiated by State Sen. George P. Shadid, D-Edwards.
  
  • $7,157 to North Pekin,
  initiated by State Rep. Michael K. Smith, D-Canton.
  
  • $3,340 to Glasford,
  initiated by Smith.
  
  • $3,300 to Glasford,
  initiated by Shadid.
  
  • $2,100 to Marquette Heights,
  initiated by Shadid.
  
  • $2,071 to Marquette Heights,
  initiated by Smith.

• $10,000 to the Village of Peoria Heights to purchase 3 telescopes for the observation deck of its water tower.
  This project was initiated by Slone.

• $7,300 to the Lewistown Township Fire Protection District to renovate its station and to purchase a computer. The district is contributing $13,400.
  This project was initiated by Smith.

• $2,000 to the YWCA of Peoria to begin operating an official Starlings Volleyball Club and to purchase First Aid kits.
  This project was initiated by Slone.