This program will complement the $265 million that schools have already allocated to improve air filtration since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONNECTICUT, United States – Governor Lamont announced Wednesday that his administration would release $150 million for a new state grant program that would support the upgrade of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in public schools across the country. Connecticut.
This program will complement the $265 million that schools have already allocated to improve air filtration since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding was received from the Federal Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund.
Lamont proposed the grant program earlier this year as part of his state budget proposal, which later received general assembly approval.
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“One thing the COVID-19 pandemic has shown is that many school buildings across our state, especially those over a certain age, are in serious need of air quality improvements,” he said. Lamont said in a statement.
Lamont pointed out that modernized ventilation systems provide an important public health function that can filter the air and reduce airborne contaminants, including virus-carrying particles.
“Most importantly, these air filtration systems will help ensure that our students can continue to receive their education in person, in the classroom, where they learn best,” Lamont said. “Over the past two years, Connecticut school districts have invested more than $165 million in COVID relief funding to make these kinds of air quality improvements, and by creating a state program dedicated to these improvements, we can continue to provide schools with additional funding to implement these much-needed infrastructure improvements.
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Lamont said the pandemic has revealed a significant need for upgraded school air filtration units. He said he was creating the state grant to ensure schools have a dedicated source of funding to support additional infrastructure upgrades.
The Connecticut Public Schools HVAC/Indoor Air Quality Grant Program is administered by the Office of School Building Grants and Review, an office of the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services. It was created in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
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“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need to upgrade HVAC systems in schools across the state, especially in older school buildings that have long awaited improvements,” delegation members said. of the Connecticut Congress in a joint statement. “Outdated ventilation systems put students and staff at increased risk of exposure to harmful viruses and other contaminants in the infrastructure of Connecticut schools.
Applications from school districts are being accepted and must be submitted by December 1. Municipalities will be required to provide matching grants to fund project costs. Award notices will be announced in early 2023.
Here are some examples of eligible projects:
- Replacement, upgrade or repair of boilers and other heating and ventilation components;
- Replace technology controls and systems related to HVAC operations;
- Install or upgrade air conditioning or ventilation systems; and
- Other similar work approved by the Commissioner of the Administrative Services Branch.
The distribution of grants will be prioritized based on:
- The age and condition of the current HVAC system or replaced or upgraded equipment in the school;
- Current air quality issues at school;
- The age and condition of the entire school building;
- School District Master Plan;
- Availability of maintenance records;
- A contract or plans for routine maintenance and cleaning of the HVAC system; and
- The ability of the local or regional school board or regional educational services center to fund the remaining costs of such a project after receiving a grant under the program.
Jareliz Diaz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jdiaz@fox61.com
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