May 20, 2024
Senator Needleman Applauds $3.2 Million In State Funding For Regional Air Quality Improvements
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) applauded the announcement by Governor Lamont’s administration that schools throughout the 33rd District will receive $3.2 million in state grants to support replacements and improvements to their HVAC and air conditioning systems. These grants are the result of legislation passed by the state legislature in 2022, encouraging schools to install, replace or upgrade these systems for improved ventilation and indoor air quality to support student learning and the overall health of their school communities.
“Two years ago, my colleagues and I voted to support valuable, vital upgrades to air quality in schools statewide, and I am proud to see the program reach further fruition,” said Sen. Needleman. “Knowing local students will have a safer and healthier experience getting their excellent educations from our schools is fantastic. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued support of our region.”
In East Haddam, East Haddam Elementary School will receive $2,059,978.52 in state grant funding, supporting $3.897 million in total projects supporting the replacement of ultraviolet lights and heating and ventilation units in the school. Nathan Hale-Ray High School will receive $133,711.48 supporting $252,954 of work for the same purpose.
Old Saybrook’s Kathleen E. Goodwin School will receive $486,871.79 supporting $1.794 million of total work to replace chillers and chilled water piping and insulation on the school’s roof.
Westbrook will see three schools receive funds; Daisy Ingraham Elementary School will receive $151,122.95 to support $549,538 of total work for the installation of HVAC systems, as well as $76,918.05 to support $279,702 of work to install a VRF system for heating and air conditioning and design control systems to interface with the existing system.
Westbrook High School will receive $186,333.13 and $19,250 of state funding supporting projects costing $677,575 and $70,000 of work, respectively, for the replacement of rooftop units, electric upgrades and redesigning existing ductwork for air conditioning.
Westbrook Middle School will receive $97,407.75 in state grants supporting $354,210 of work for replacement of rooftop units and redesigning existing ductwork for air conditioning, as well as $11,962.50 to support $43,500 of work to replace a rooftop unit.
In 2022, the General Assembly voted to create the Indoor Air Quality Grant Program, which provides matching grants to support municipalities needing work not covered by grants. Eligible schools and districts are those found to have the greatest need for indoor air quality improvements. |
