Ryan: $573,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for DuPage County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $573,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in DuPage County, including $150,000 to the Itasca Fire Department for new equipment.

The grant will purchase a new 95-foot aerial tower to replace a 20 year-old piece of equipment.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee Daniels of Elmhurst.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Village of Downers Grove to help purchase a heavy rescue vehicle to replace a 10-year-old truck. The village is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale.

• $100,000 to the Village of Clarendon Hills to help purchase downtown property and to build a gazebo for an on-going summer/fall concert series.
  This project was initiated by Bellock.

• $100,000 to Lombard Elementary School District 44 to help construct and equip a physical fitness center at the middle school that will be used by students and local YMCA members. The district is contributing $400,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Vince Persico, R-Glen Ellyn.

• $50,000 to the Village of Darien to help with the connection of existing water lines in the village to help ease expansion and development in unincorporated areas.
  This project was initiated by Bellock.

• $48,000 to the West Frankfort Police Department to purchase two new police cars.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $15,000 to the Lisle Woodridge Fire District to purchase a thermal imaging camera that helps firefighters see victims through smoke and darkness.
  This project was initiated by Bellock.

• $10,000 to Dongola Unit School District 66 to help with setting up portable classrooms for 125 elementary school students who have been forced out of their school because of termite damage. A new school is being built.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.