Derek Slap

SEN. SLAP WELCOMES $1.082 MILLION IN STATE GRANTS TO UPGRADE LEWIS MILL HIGH SCHOOL AIR FILTRATION

Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) welcomed this week’s announcement that Governor Ned Lamont’s administration will award Burlington’s Lewis Mill High School with $1.082 million through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools to improve air filtration and quality. This is part of a $56 million grant release to school systems across the state.

Lewis Mill High School will receive $1,082,406.33 from the state through this program. The funds can be used for replacing, upgrading or repairing boilers and other heating/ventilation components; replacing controls and technology systems for HVAC operations; installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems; or other work approved by the Department of Administrative Services. Cities and towns are required to provide matching grants to fund project costs.

“Students deserve the best possible learning environment to learn, grow and succeed; when they’re breathing in low-quality air, that’s an impediment that can potentially harm their health,” said Sen. Slap. “When legislators voted last year to support this grant program’s development, we knew it would pay dividends. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for investing in the health and well-being of Lewis Mill High School students now and in the future.”

The grants program, administered by the state Department of Administrative Services, was created as part of the budget adjustment bill passed by lawmakers and signed into law in the spring of 2022. The law further requires schools to inspect and evaluate HVAC systems every five years, requires these reports to be made public, and requires the reporting of any corrective action taken.