$3.2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $3.29 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Illinois, including $2.4 million to Blackburn College to construct a new "student services center" on its campus in Carlinville.

An existing building which houses the college bookstore, student and faculty mailboxes, a snack bar, recreation space and a commuter student lounge will be demolished. The new building will house the student financial aid office, the office of student records, student life offices, work program offices, a student admissions center and multipurpose rooms. The new facility will provide more efficient and expanded services to its students and the public.

This Illinois FIRST was initiated by State Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $350,000 to the City of Jacksonville to construct a multi-purpose building in Community Park. The city is contributing $70,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Tom Ryder, R-Jerseyville.

• $150,000 to the Village of Illiopolis to rehab and construct the property of a former auto dealership for a new village hall.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

• $100,000 to the Godfrey Fire Protection District to purchase land for the construction of a new fire station.
  This project was initiated by Demuzio.

• $100,000 to Lincoln College to construct an additional museum facility to its Lincoln Center.
  This project was initiated by former State Sen. Robert A. Madigan, R-Lincoln.

• $70,000 to the Minonk Fire Protection District to purchase a new fire truck. The district is contributing $70,000.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.

• $50,000 to Riverton High School to replace its cinder track with an all-weather asphalt surface track. The school is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry K. Bomke, R-Springfield.

• $30,000 to the Otter Creek Historical Society, Inc., to restore the roof on the Hamilton Primary School in Otterville. The School is on the National Register of Historical Places.
  This project was initiated by Ryder.

• $25,000 to Springfield College in Illinois to purchase and install technology equipment for the conversion of a 96-seat lecture hall into a "smart classroom."
  This project was initiated by Poe.

• $15,000 to the Jacksonville-Morgan County Search & Rescue Dive Team to purchase safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Ryder.