Ryan: $1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Western Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1,041,500 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Western Illinois, including $346,500 to Western Illinois University to renovate and remodel the HyVee building.

The building is being renovated to accommodate the University's childcare program, WIUM public radio, the Brooks Cultural Center and the Western Illinois Credit Union. The University is contributing $1,242,300.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Richard P. Myers, R-Macomb.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $175,000 to New Salem Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper truck and to replace a tanker.
  This project was initiated by Myers.

• $130,000 to the Village of Browning to purchase a pumper truck and rescue equipment.
  This project was initiated by Myers.

• $125,000 to the City of Macomb to correct storm drainage problems at CalhounStreet/Normal Street and McDonough Street/Clay Street.
  This project was initiated by Myers.

• $100,000 to McDonough County Sheriff's Dive Rescue Team to purchase a building to house equipment, repair a truck, and replace and/or repair equipment.
  This project was initiated by Myers.

• $50,000 to Adams County Board to purchase equipment for the Quincy/Adams county 911 Communications Center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Art Tenhouse, R-Quincy.

• $50,000 to Macomb Area Convention Center to renovate a building at 201 South Lafayette Street in Macomb to house the Western Illinois Museum. $90,000 is being contributed through gifts and donations.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Laura Kent Donahue, R-Quincy.

• $30,000 to Hull History Lives, Inc. to renovate and equip its reading center.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.

• $25,000 to Hull/Kinderhook Fire Protection District to purchase a new pumper truck. The district is contributing $75,000.
  This project was initiated by Tenhouse.

• $10,000 to Bi County Teen Center, Dallas Cityto purchase computers and related equipment and to make repairs to its building.
  This project was initiated by Donahue.