$1.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.145 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Southern Illinois, including $375,000 to the City of Olney to construct a new fire station at North Walnut Street. The new station will replace two existing buildings and allow for all operations to be combined in one building. It will provide training areas for surrounding fire departments and rural fire districts and have a specialized decontamination area. The city is contributing $59,500.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Charles A. Hartke, D-Teutopolis.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $75,000 to the Anna Bixby Women's Center to hire personnel for the expansion of its state certified adult abuser treatment program and for the continuation of its in-school /summer probation program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Larry D. Woolard, D-Carterville.

• $50,000 to Columbia Community Unit School District 4 to resurface a running track located near Columbia High School. The district is contributing $70,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville.

• $50,000 to Webber Township to purchase a road grader.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John O. Jones, R-Mt. Vernon.

• $45,000 to the Village of Joppa to make repairs to its water tank.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $35,000 to the City of Creal Springs to purchase equipment for the fire and police departments, to purchase a snow plow, to cut down trees and to remove and replace broken sidewalk.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jim Fowler, D-Harrisburg.

• $30,000 to Venedy Township to purchase a tractor. The township is contributing $23,830.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

• $30,000 to the Fountain Water District to install a water main extension on KK Road. The district is contributing $26,000.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $30,000 to the City of Marion to purchase a hydraulic excavator. The city is contributing $47,500.
  This project was initiated by House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels of Elmhurst.

• $25,000 to the Village of Lenzburg to purchase a pickup truck and to assist in the administration of the village senior center.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $25,000 to the Village of New Athens to purchase a mosquito sprayer and a vacuum/leaf blower.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $25,000 to the Village of Fayetteville to replace a water main and install new fire hydrants. The village is contributing $10,000.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $20,000 to the City of Marion to purchase a drainage pipe. The city is contributing $47,540.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $20,000 to the Village of DeSoto to construct a restroom and a storage addition at the village park.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $15,000 to the City of Ava to construct new sidewalks.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $15,000 to Johannisburg Township to purchase a tractor.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $15,000 to Plum Hill Township to install a concrete floor at its storage and equipment maintenance building and to purchase a tractor.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $15,000 to the Village of St. Libory to purchase a tractor.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $15,000 to Village of Tilden to purchase equipment for its police department.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $15,000 to the Alexander County Sheriff's Department to purchase computers, patrol car video systems and portable radios.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $15,000 to the Smithton Volunteer Fire Company to purchase rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Village of DuBois to replace sidewalks and to purchase materials to enclose a building in its park.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Evansville Fire Department to purchase a "Jaws of Life" unit.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Village of DeSoto to install a backstop and fence at the east ball diamond at the community park.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to New Athens Township to purchase a new dump truck. The township is contributing $30,000.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to the New Athens Fire Protection District to purchase a John Deere Work Site "Gator."
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to Bolo Township to purchase a new mower.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to the Hecker Fire Protection District to purchase MSA face masks.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to the Percy Fire Department to purchase air tanks and bunker gear.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to New Athens Township to purchase maintenance equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Red Bud Fire Department to purchase a new fire hose and portable radios.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the West Frankfort Public Library to upgrade its internet and technology capabilities.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $10,000 to the Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning & Development Commission to implement a micro-lending program.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $10,000 to Children's Advocacy Renewal and Enlightenment to remodel existing space for additional offices and to construct a ramp.
  This project was initiated by Woolard.

• $10,000 to the Village of New Grand Chain to resurface East Second Street.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $10,000 to the Village of Prairie du Rocher to purchase and install new shut-off valves throughout its water distribution system.
  This project was initiated by Luechtefeld.

• $10,000 to Randolph County Consolidated Road District 2 to purchase rock in order to oil and chip 2.2 miles of roadway.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $10,000 to the Richland/Edwards Counties Water Corporation to purchase easements and liability insurance for its water system startup.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $5,000 to United Front, Inc. to purchase sports equipment and to provide transportation, lodging and food for its youth programs.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.

• $5,000 to the Village of Old Shawneetown to construct an equipment/maintenance building.
  This project was initiated by Fowler.

• $5,000 to the Village of Marissa to repair the tennis courts in its village park.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $5,000 to the Addieville Fire Protection District to purchase fire and safety equipment.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $2,000 to the Smithton Area Senior Citizens to purchase a floor buffer and floor cleaning chemicals.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $2,000 to the Village of Marissa to raise the roof on the carport at the Macke Senior Services Center.
  This project was initiated by Reitz.

• $1,000 to the Southeastern Crisis Pregnancy Center to send 55 expectant mothers to prepared childbirth, breastfeeding and sibling classes.
  This project was initiated by Daniels.