Ryan: $395,000 in Illinois First Projects for Kankakee/Illinois River Valleys

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $395,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Kankakee and Illinois river valleys, including $300,000 to the Kankakee Township Fire Protection District to remodel and equip a building at 2215 South Kensington Avenue.

This building has been leased by the district for use as a fire station for the past two years, but is not suited for such use in the long term. The district is purchasing this building and it will serve as the main station and headquarters.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $60,000 to the Wilton Township Road District to construct a maintenance equipment shed. The district is contributing $11,000.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, D-Elwood.

• $35,000 to the City of Morris to purchase properties located near the I & M Canal to be used as a passsive park.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

Illinois FIRST funds are not part of the state budget's General Revenue Fund. Recently, lagging tax collections brought on by a slowdown in the national economy and the terrorist attacks of September 11 have forced the governor to order spending cuts in the General Revenue Fund that amount to less than 2 percent of total spending. Illinois FIRST monies are derived from separate accounts in the state budget -- the Road Fund and the Fund for Illinois Future -- as well as through the sale of state bonds.