$173,675 in Illinois FIRST Projects for the Rockford Area

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $173,675 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Rockford area, including $70,000 to the Rockford Park District Foundation to fund a major statewide memorial to Gold Star Mothers. The memorial will be constructed in the Arthur W. Anderson Peace Park in Loves Park.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Dave Winters, R-Shirland.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $40,000 to the Village of Paw Paw to install and construct new sidewalks in various sections of the village.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. David Wirsing, R-Sycamore.

• $30,000 to the North End Square Neighborhood Association in Rockford to purchase and install street lights on Huffman Boulevard. The area will also be landscaped to blend with existing shrubbery.
  This project was initiated by Winters.

• $20,000 to the Maple Park and Countryside Fire Protection District to purchase new extrication equipment, E.M.S. equipment, and other fire equipment.
  This project was initiated by Wirsing.

• $13,650 to the Friends' House Neighborhood Center in Rockford to purchase and install an exterior lighted sign, to pave an area in front of the garage, to construct ceilings in the basement, and to purchase equipment for classrooms.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Charles Jefferson, D-Rockford and former State Rep. Doug Scott, D- Rockford.