$1.8 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Kankakee and Illinois River Valleys

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,867,500 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Kankakee and Illinois River Valleys, including $500,000 to the City of Peru for road improvements on Shooting Park Road.

Reconstruction will include three lanes of pavement, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Patrick D. Welch, D-Peru.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $500,000 to the City of Joliet to complete Phase I engineering cost, which consist of street lighting and traffic signals.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Lawrence M. "Larry" Walsh, D-Elwood.

• $200,000 to the Momence Community School District to purchase computer equipment and books to update and develop libraries.
  This project was initiated by L. Walsh.

• $75,000 to the Kankakee Area Career Center to pave the parking lot and driveway of its facility.
  The project was initiated by State Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D-Coal City.

• $75,000 to the Manhattan Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jack McGuire, D-Joliet.

• $65,000 to the Village of South Wilmington to fund replacement of water mains and install a new well. The village is contributing $117,000.
  This Project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $60,000 to the Village of Bradley to purchase two new leaf collector trailer mounted units.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. J. Philip Novak, D-Bradley.

• $50,000 to Rockdale Fire Protection District to purchase the Rockdale Municipal Building.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $50,000 to the Momence Unit School District to update and develop libraries.
  This project was initiated by Novak.

• $50,000 to the Manhattan Fire Protection to purchase a fire truck.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $50,000 to the City of Streator to demolish and dispose of partially collapsed buildings.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Frank J. Mautino, D-Spring Valley.

• $50,000 to the Ottawa Fire Department to establish an area wide radio link.
  This project was initiated by Welch.

• $50,000 to the Hopkins Park Police Department to purchase new police vehicles and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Walsh.

• $12,500 to the Village of Cherry to restore and preserve the Holy Trinity Miners Memorial Cemetery.
  This project was initiated by Welch.

• $10,000 to Gardner S. Wilmington High School to supplement the schools transportation budget.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.

• $10,000 to the Pembroke Township Fire Protection District to purchase new equipment.
  These projects were initiated by Novak.

• $10,000 to South Wilmington Grade School to reimburse the school's technology and fine arts program budget.
  This project was initiated by O'Brien.