Today was an exciting day for us here at DAS as Governor Ned Lamont and DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman announced that applications are open to schools to apply for HVAC/Indoor Air Quality Grants. The program, authorized in the State budget, contributes $150 million toward the newly established state grant program that supports upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Connecticut public schools.
Governor Lamont said that he is creating the state grant program to ensure that schools have a dedicated source of funding to support these infrastructure upgrades, noting that the pandemic exposed a significant need to have modernized air filtration units in schools.
Modernized ventilation systems provide an essential public health function that filtrates the air and reduces airborne contaminants, including particles containing viruses. Most importantly, these air filtration systems will help ensure that students can continue receiving their education in person, in the classroom, where they learn best.
The Connecticut Public Schools HVAC/Indoor Air Quality Grant Program is being administered by the Office of School Construction Grants and Review, an office within DAS. It was created in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, legislators, and other stakeholders.
Applications from school districts for this initial round are now being accepted and must be submitted to the state by December 1, 2022 at 8:00pm. Award notices will be announced in early 2023.
Examples of eligible projects include:
-
Replacing, upgrading, or repairing boilers and other heating and ventilation components;
-
Replacing controls and technology systems related to HVAC operations;
-
Installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems; and
-
Other similar work approved by the commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services.
Distribution of the grants will be prioritized based on:
-
Age and condition of the current HVAC system or equipment being replaced or upgraded in the school;
-
Current air quality issues at the school;
-
Age and condition of the overall school building;
-
School district’s master plan;
-
Availability of maintenance records;
-
A contract or plans for the routine maintenance and cleaning of the HVAC system; and
-
The local or regional board of education’s or regional educational service center’s ability to finance the remainder of the costs for such project after receiving a grant under the program.
