FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 20, 2024

SEN. OSTEN ANNOUNCES MAJOR STATE INVESTMENT IN CLEAN AIR FOR MONTVILLE, COLUMBIA & LEDYARD SCHOOLS

EASTERN CONNECTICUT – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) announced today that the state Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has unveiled its 2024 list of Indoor Air Quality grants for public schools in Connecticut, and that Montville, Columbia and Ledyard will receive a combined total of $20 million to help pay for a variety of school projects, including the replacement of HVAC systems, the installation of air conditioning and ventilation units, upgraded electrical service, new boilers and heat pumps, new rooftop units, and the installation of mini-split air conditioners.

The state grants cover between 52.14% and 72.5% of the projects’ total cost; the Montville, Columbia and Ledyard projects total approx. $29,727,059, and the state grants will pay approx. $20,076,070 of that cost.

“I’m happy to see that eastern Connecticut towns are taking advantage of a state program designed to make schools healthier and more productive for students and staff. These are budgeted funds that serve a need, and obviously there’s a need in Montville, Columbia and Ledyard,” Sen. Osten said. “These are the kinds of state investments I’d like to see more of in eastern Connecticut.”

The grants are being awarded through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools, a state program that is administered by DAS. It was created as part of the budget adjustment bill signed into law in 2022 (Public Act 22-118). In fiscal year 2023, DAS committed $56 million to projects across the state to address indoor air quality in school buildings.

MONTVILLE

· Dr. Charles E. Murphy Elementary School, $1,784,156, Replacement roof top units and upgrade electrical service

· Leonard J. Tyl Middle School, $4,334,089, Replacement of rooftop units and boilers. Installation of new pumps and hot water system

· Mohegan Elementary School, $1,813,177, Replacement roof top units and upgrade electrical service

· Montville High School, $4,731,687, Replacement of rooftop units

· Oakdale Elementary School, $2,144,723, Replacement roof top units and upgrade electrical service

· Palmer Building (Palmer Memorial/Palmer Academy), $724,451, Installation of mini splits, and rooftop condensing units, and upgrade electrical service

COLUMBIA

· Horace W. Porter School, $3,169,181, Replacement of HVAC system

LEDYARD

· Juliet Long School, $1,374,605, Installation of air conditioning and ventilation

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