RYAN: $1.5 MILLION IN ILLINOIS FIRST PROJECTS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,553,700 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $250,000 to the City of Flora to make capital improvements within its industrial park.

The improvements include upgrading the surface, constructing a cul-de-sac, electrical work and installing storm-warning devices. The park employs approximately 1,150 local residents.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. William L. O'Daniel, D-Mt. Vernon.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the County of Jasper to renovate two newly purchased buildings that will house the majority of the county offices. The county will contribute $350,000.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $229,000 to the Bi-State Authority to repair approximately 1.5 miles of roadway at the local airport entrance.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $150,000 to the Village of Wayne City to repair streets throughout the village.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $125,000 to the City of Murphysboro to purchase emergency extrication equipment for use by its fire department.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.

• $110,000 to the City of Carbondale to purchase and renovate a building for a teen center. The city will contribute $1 million.
  This project was initiated by Bost.

• $91,700 to the City of Pinckneyville to purchase two patrol vehicles and a digital telecommunications logger for its police department and an emergency backup generator that will serve city hall, the police department and the fire department.
  These projects were initiated by Bost.

• $75,000 to the City of Albion to construct a water line and to relocate a sanitary sewer on Route 130 due to the widening of the highway. The city will contribute $47,448.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John O. Jones, R-Mt. Vernon.

• $50,000 to the Kaskaskia Regional Port District to add a rail spur at its industrial park, resulting in barge, rail and truck access at one site.

• $25,000 to Ina Grade School to replace the roofs on the main school building, the gym and the administrative office.
  This project was initiated by John Jones.

• $25,000 to the City of Herrin to purchase a new police car that will update its high-mileage police car.

• $25,000 to the Village of Freeburg to construct a sidewalk in a newly developed area of the community.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

• $25,000 to the Village of Tilden to purchase a building for a new police station and police offices that will comply with OSHA regulations.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the Hamilton County Economic Development Commission in McLeansboro to conduct a feasibility study for the reopening of the McLeansboro Airport.
  This project was initiated by O'Daniel.

• $20,000 to the Okawville Community Youth Association to construct a concrete pavement for a new basketball/hockey court.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the Columbia Police Department to purchase a new police car.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $15,000 to the Ware Wolf Lake Fire Protection District to pay off, and make repairs to the fire station.
  This project was initiated by Bost.

• $10,000 to the Hecker Fire Protection District to purchase new thermal imaging equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Anna Bixby Women's Center in Harrisburg to help stock a food pantry that serves area domestic violence and sexual assault victims and elderly citizens.

• $5,000 to the Baldwin Police Department to purchase computer software and rewire the emergency lighting and radio equipment on the patrol cars.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $5,000 to Johannisburg Township to purchase a tractor for road maintenance.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $4,000 to the Olmstead Fire Department to train a first response team and to upgrade outdated equipment.

• $2,000 to the Washington County Cooperative Extension Service to fund a learning and leadership program for 6th, 7th and 8th grade county students that will help them make positive choices as they prepare to enter high school.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $2,000 to the Randolph County Cooperative Extension Service to fund two one-day events for 5th through 8th grade county students - "Operation Safe Kids" and "Arts Alive."
  This project was initiated by Reitz.