$950,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $950,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois, including $450,000 to the Village of Washington Park to reconstruct Hallows Avenue from 49th Street to 46th Street as well as 46th Street from Hallows Avenue to Bunkum Road.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $300,000 to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to construct a storm water detention basin.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Evelyn Bowles, D-Edwardsville.

• $100,000 to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to construct a dispensary and quarters for the medical staff and the camp director for its Touch of Nature camping area. The University is contributing $40,000.
  This project was initiated by Bowles.

• $50,000 to Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development, Inc., to map the area's rural water systems.

• $20,000 to the City of Collinsville Historic Preservation Commission to restore the D.D. Collins House.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $15,000 to the Village of Roxana Fire Department to purchase a thermal imaging camera. This project was initiated by State Rep. Steve Davis, D-Bethalto.

• $10,000 to Twin Rivers Search and Rescue, Inc., to purchase a new rescue boat.
  This project was initiated by Davis.

• $5,000 to the Clinton County Historical Society to make improvements to the Clinton County Historical Society Museum.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle.