$885,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $885,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $300,000 to Calhoun County to build a new highway maintenance shed. The existing maintenance shed is located on a flood plain.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $230,000 to the Divernon Fire Protection District to purchase a new emergency medical response vehicle, a new tanker truck, and to make repairs to its station.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to the Rochester School District to construct six new tennis courts and to purchase a press box and lighting for the soccer field. The district is contributing $200,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

• $60,000 to the Middletown Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $50,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert Madigan, R-Lincoln.

• $50,000 to the Riverton Community School District to construct a new all-weather track. The district is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $50,000 to Sacred Heart Griffin High School to install lighting at its soccer field on West Washington Street.
  This project was initiated by Bomke.

• $25,000 to the Village of Sawyerville to resurface four blocks of roadway.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

• $20,000 to Spring Bay Township to reconstruct a portion of Mill Point Road. The road district is contributing $40,000.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.