“We are so excited by this news. This will provide significant relief to our communities in helping to defray the costs of the approved updates to our PK-8 schools.” (LOL Schools Superintendent Neviaser)
LYME/OLD LYME — On Wednesday, April 5, Governor Ned Lamont announced recipients of grants totaling $56 million under the the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools to improve air filtration and quality.
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools received a total of $12.009 million through the program with Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School being allocated $6.24 million, Lyme-Old Lyme Center School $2.719 million, and Lyme Consolidated School $3.051 million for HVAC upgrades.
Asked his reaction to receipt of the grants, Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser told LymeLine via email, “We are so excited by this news. This will provide significant relief to our communities in helping to defray the costs of the approved updates to our PK-8 schools. We look forward to beginning construction in the very near future.”
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.
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.
State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) also welcomed the announcement.
“Our students cannot thrive when they’re breathing in low-quality air,” said Sen. Marx, whose 20th District includes Old Lyme. “If you can’t take a deep breath of healthy air, you can’t learn to the best of your ability. Low air quality can have negative impacts on student health and well-being. Teachers and faculty cannot effectively help students learn without a clean, healthy environment either. This will benefit their health as well. I’m thankful the Lamont Administration is investing in the health and futures of our students.”
Sen. Norm Needleman, whose 33rd District includes Lyme, noted, “Last year, when elected officials approved legislation making adjustments to the state budget, we did so knowing that this funding would be included, and that it would directly benefit students around the state,.”
He added, “I’m very encouraged that it will aid students in Lyme and Old Lyme. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for investing in our community.”