Ryan: $1.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southwestern Illinois and the Metro East

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.2 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southwestern Illinois and the Metro East, including $800,000 to the Mary Brown Center in East St. Louis for building repairs.

The center provides recreational and community service opportunities for about 20,000 residents of the south side of East St. Louis. Internal and external repairs will be done, including floors, ceilings, the electrical system, plumbing, heating and air conditioning. The parking lot will be lighted.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Wyvetter Younge, D-East St. Louis.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the Collinsville Metropolitan Exposition, Auditorium, Office Building Authority to help construct a 4,600-seatr minor league baseball stadium in Collinsville for a new class A baseball team. Events at the stadium are expected to generate $4.9 million in annual revenues and $300,000 in annual local tax revenues.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville.

• $60,000 to Salem Township Hospital to construct a helipad for emergency patient transfers.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle.

• $40,000 to the Marissa Area Public Library to help purchase a building next to the existing library for expansion. The library serves 3,590 people in a 56 square mile area. The library will contribute $25,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

• $20,000 to the Village of Swansea for the purchase of a new police patrol car.
  This project was initiated by Hoffman.

• $15,000 to the Village of Ellis Grove to help buy a 1.3-acre parcel of land that is needed to facilitate the construction of a gas station/quick mart in the village. Currently, there is no gas station/quick mart within nine miles of the village.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Sparta.

• $10,000 to the Wheatfield Township Fire Protection District to help buy a new truck and 3,000 gallon water tank.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville.

• $10,000 to the St. Peter Fire Protection District to help purchase a paging system for the district's volunteer fire fighters. The district will contribute $10,000.
  This project was initiated by Watson.

• $10,000 to the Smithboro Fire Protection District to purchase new rescue equipment and new protective clothing for firefighters.
  This project was initiated by Watson.

• $2,000 to the Monroe county Cooperative Extension Service to buy equipment that will enhance 4-H Club projects.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.