Sen. Gordon Applauds CT Investment in Clean Air For Northeast CT Schools

State Sen. Jeff Gordon, member of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, today applauded the state’s investment in several schools across Northeast Connecticut for the improvement of each building’s air filtration system.

This funding is part of $56 million in state grants for public schools throughout Connecticut to upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

The local schools and their respective grant awards are:

• Coventry High School: $6,602, 148
• Eastford Elementary School: $219, 007.81
• (Ellington) Center School: $671,000
• Ellington Middle School: $1,003, 062.50
• Ellington High School: $2,030,875

Senator Gordon said, “Clean air that’s readily circulating is an essential part of a healthy school setting. With these HVAC upgrades, we can mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses among our students, teachers, and staff. A healthy school environment promotes healthy minds. Thank you to the administration for acknowledging this necessity and making it a priority. This financial support plays a crucial role in elevating the overall student experience and achievement in our schools.”

The grants are being awarded through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools, a newly established state program that is administered by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services that has been allocated $150 million through two revenue streams, including $75 million from state bond funding and $75 million from the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

These $56 million in grants represent the first round of funding released through this program. This initial round opened on September 14, 2022, and school districts seeking grants were required to submit applications to the state by December 1, 2022. Municipalities are required to provide matching grants to fund the project costs.