Southington HS Locker Room Project May Get Major State Funding Boost

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington High School's boys' and girls' athletic locker rooms could receive $250,000 in state funding for renovations aimed at improving the safety, cleanliness, and condition of the facilities.

State Rep. Chris Poulos, D-Southington, announced the proposed funding Tuesday, saying it is scheduled to go before the State Bond Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The money has not yet received final approval, but bond commission proposals are rarely cut at that point in the approval process.

Under the proposal, $150,000 would go toward more extensive renovations to the boys' locker room, while $100,000 would fund improvements and preservation work in the girls' locker room.

The goal is to bring both facilities to an equal standard of safety, cleanliness, functionality, and quality, according to Poulos' office.

The project originated with the Southington BKF Gridiron Booster Club, which approached Poulos with a proposal outlining the condition of the facilities and requesting state assistance.

"I was happy to help the Booster Club advocate for this project," Poulos said. "They identified a need, put together a thoughtful proposal, and asked for my help."

Poulos said he subsequently advocated for the project with legislative leaders and Gov. Ned Lamont's office.

"I'm proud that we were able to deliver this funding for Southington students," he said.

Booster Club Pushed For Improvements

Jerad Paolino of the Southington BKF Gridiron Booster Club said the organization believes the renovations are needed to provide appropriate facilities for student-athletes.

"The Booster Club brought forward a detailed proposal because we believe our student-athletes deserve safe, functional, and well-maintained facilities," Paolino said.

State Rep. Ron Napoli Jr., D-Waterbury, chair of a State Bond Commission subcommittee, said such facilities are critical.

"Investments like this strengthen our local communities and ensure residents, students and athletes have safe, modern facilities they can be proud of," Napoli said.

Poulos also thanked Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas for supporting the proposed funding.

"This is a great example of what can happen when the community brings forward a good idea, and we work together to make it happen," Poulos said.

The next step comes Sept. 8, when the $250,000 allocation is expected to be considered by the State Bond Commission.