Ryan: $645,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $645,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $200,000 to the City of Auburn to construct a new building to house a library and a senior citizen center.

The existing facility is too small for the requirements of the community. There is no room for growth, storage, meeting areas or modern technology. The new library will be an accessible, multifunction facility. The city is contributing $350,000.

This project was initiated by State Rep. Gwenn Klingler, R-Springfield.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Village of Warrensburg Water Department to purchase four new filters and a sand/gravel mixture for its water treatment plant and to paint its water storage tank. The village is contributing $28,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

• $100,000 to the City of Auburn to construct a new building to house a library and a senior citizen center.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry K. Bomke, R-Springfield.

• $50,000 to the Jersey Community Unit School District 100 for site excavation, construction materials, concrete, electric, plumbing and labor for its new multipurpose athletic facility.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

• $50,000 to the Springfield School District 186 to construct a new concession stand and restroom facility at Southeast High School.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.

• $50,000 to the City of Athens to renovate the swimming pool at its community park.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

• $40,000 to the Richwoods Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

• $30,000 to the Cincinnati Fire Protection District to construct a shell for its building addition and to remodel the existing part of the firehouse.
  This project was initiated by former State Rep. John W. Turner, R-Atlanta.

• $25,000 to the Village of Godfrey to hire a consultant to develop a comprehensive plan for its parks and recreation department.
  This project was initiated by Ryder.