Ryan: $1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Western Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.091 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Western Illinois, including $350,000 to Western Illinois University for infrastructure improvements on a recently purchased building.

The building will provide space for a child care center and public radio studios, Brooks Cultural Center and a Credit Union. The University is contributing $1,242,300.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Laura Kent Donahue, R-Quincy.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the John Wood Community College in Quincy for computer equipment.
  This Project was initiated by Donahue.

• $150,000 to Quincy Metropolitan Exposition Civic Center Authority for the purchase of an indoor soccer field and improvements on the parking lot.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-Quincy.

• $130,000 to Scott County for the installation of an elevator in the Winchester County Courthouse to bring them in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The county is contributing $29,159.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.

• $100,000 to the Gulfport/Gladstone Rural Fire Protection District for the purchase of a fire/rescue truck.
  This project was initiated by Richard P. Myers, R-Macomb.

• $50,000 to Quincy Fire Department for the purchase of a new fire truck. The city of Quincy is contributing $182,000.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.

• $30,000 to Henderson County Health Department for the purchase of a van to deliver meals to seniors.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.

• $25,000 to West Central Illinois Telecommunications Corporation to repair and upgrade equipment for the continuation of public broadcasting and educational services.
  This project was initiated by Myers.

• $25,000 to the Tri-Township Fire Protection District for the purchase of new and updated rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Tenhouse.

• $20,000 to the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville for the purchase of computer equipment.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.

• $11,000 to Versailles Area Genealogy & Historical Society for the purchase of computer equipment and building renovations.
  This project was initiated by Sen. Donahue.