State Bond Commission Approves Grant for New Sandy Hook Elementary School

The state Bond Commission met Wednesday and approved a $5 million grant for the Town of Newtown to help pay for planning and design costs for a new Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“The State of Connecticut joins the people of Newtown in their resolve to move forward despite the most challenging of circumstances,” said Governor Dannel Malloy in a statement. “This project is a necessary part of the recovery process, and will continue to be a priority even after students are attending classes in their new school.”

Malloy and the state General Assembly agreed in 2013 to authorize up to $50 million for a replacement school after residents voted to demolish the old school.

“The action of the Bonding Commission today serves to remind us in Newtown and all through the state of the generosity and support of the Governor’s Office and of virtually every state office and legislator,” said First Selectman Pat Llodra. “The new Sandy Hook School will become a reality in 2016 because of that generosity. We are humbled and thankful for the continuing kindness of our state partners.”

The new school will be located at 12 Dickinson Drive and will be about 87,000 square feet in a two-story structure. It is slated to be ready for occupancy by the start of the school year in fall 2016.