Guilford Schools Score Over $1.25M In State Grants To Upgrade HVAC

GUILFORD, CT — Three Guilford schools have been awarded state grants to make upgrades to their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Guilford Lakes, Cox Elementary and Baldwin Middle School scored state grants totaling over $1.25 million. They are among 50 schools awarded $56 million 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.

The program was created as part of the budget adjustment bill signed into law in 2022. It 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 funds.

These $56 million in grants represent the first round of funding released through this program, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont's Office. This initial round opened on Sept. 14, 2022, and school districts seeking grants were required to submit applications to the state by Dec. 1, 2022. Municipalities are required to provide matching grants to fund the project costs.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who represents District 3 and Guilford in Washington, D.C., said, "The American Rescue Plan funding is a win for our ongoing efforts to improve indoor air quality for our schools and students here in Connecticut. I am so proud that our joint efforts allowed to make this day possible — and celebrate the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools. Updated ventilation systems are needed all throughout the state – and we owe it to our school teachers, administrators, parents, and students to ensure we are doing all we can to eliminate airborne contaminates and unfiltered air."