Ryan: $1.4 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Decatur and Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.4 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in the Decatur area and Central Illinois, including $300,000 to the city of Shelbyville to construct a new senior center for the people of Shelby County.

The new building will replace an existing Senior Center that is too small for the county's needs. The Senior center provides, health, nutritional, recreational and educational programs for seniors.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $175,000 to the Blue Mound Fire Protection District to help purchase a new pumper truck. The district will contribute $70,000.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Duane Noland, R-Blue Mound.

• $150,000 to the Hammond Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper truck.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $125,000 to the Arthur Fire Protection District to purchase a new rescue truck and equipment.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $100,000 to the Little Theater on the Square to purchase a building close to the theater for use as a technical production facility.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Julie Curry, D-Mount Zion.

• $90,000 to the Decatur Public Library to purchase a new bookmobile. The Library currently serves 50,000 people annually.
  This project was initiated by Curry.

• $75,000 to the Village of Cowden o construct a new community building and village hall.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $75,000 to Austin Township to help purchase a new grader for roadwork and snow removal.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $50,000 to the Effingham County Fair Association for repairs and renovations to the county fairgrounds and buildings.
  This project also received $130,000 in Illinois FIRST grants from State Sen. William O'Daniel, D-Mount Vernon, Noland and Mitchell.

• $50,000 to the Homework Hangout Club to purchase two vans that will provide tutoring at many places for at-risk youth.
  This project was initiated by Curry.

• $50,000 to Ivesdale to help with roadwork, sewers, streetscaping and landscaping in the downtown area. The village is contributing $100,000.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $35,000 to Spring Point Township to help complete a new township maintenance building and community center.
  This project was initiated by Mitchell.

• $30,000 to the Rolling Prairie Library System to purchase two delivery vans to serve the system's 272 member libraries.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $30,000 to the Decatur Fire Department to help purchase seven new radios for the hazardous materials response team.
  This project was initiated by Curry.

• $30,000 to the Strasburg Fire Department for a new four-wheel-drive vehicle and rescure equipment.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $25,000 to the Cerro Gordo Youth League to help construct a new multipurpose building that will be used for various youth sports leagues.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $25,000 to the Lovington Fire Protection District to purchase eight self-contained breathing apparatus units.
  This project was initiated by Noland.

• $16,000 to the Decatur Day Care Center to paint the interior of the center, which serves 146 children daily. The non-profit organization is 82 years old.
  This project was initiated by Curry.

• $10,000 to Dalton City to evaluate the existing water treatment facility and to identify alternative groundwater sources.
  This project was initiated by Noland.