Press Releases
09/08/2023
Governor Lamont and DAS Commissioner Gilman Announce a Second Round of Grant Funding to Improve Air Quality in Connecticut Schools
Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman today announced the opening of applications for $244 million toward the second round of grant funding dedicated to supporting upgrades for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Connecticut public schools.
“It is critically important that we have modernized ventilation and air filtration systems in all of our school buildings so that we can reduce the spread of viruses and protect the health of our students, teachers, and staff,” Governor Lamont said. “The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that many of our school buildings are woefully outdated and in significant need of HVAC upgrades. Since the pandemic began, we have partnered with dozens of school districts to make upgrades and many of them have already been implemented, however, more needs to be done. The release of this next round of funding shows that we are committed to protecting the health of our schools, and I strongly urge all districts to review their HVAC needs and reach out to the state so that we can partner with them on making these improvements.”
The Connecticut HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program for Public Schools is administered by the Office of Grants Administration, a unit within DAS. Since the program’s enactment in 2022, the legislature has authorized a total of $375 million in state funding and $75 million in federal funding for this grant program. In fiscal year 2023, DAS committed $56 million to projects across the state to address indoor air quality in school buildings.
Today, DAS releases a detailed program guidance document with information for districts to successfully apply for the program. DAS encourages all applications that address the installation, replacement or upgrading of HVAC systems or other improvements to indoor air quality in school buildings.
The Office of Grants Administration has provided both local and regional boards of education with the necessary materials for applicants to be successful. Along with written materials, staff will host a webinar in early fall. The webinar will provide leaders with a review of the program application, evaluation, and awards processes. Full program guidance can be found on the DAS website.
HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants (ct.gov)
Applications are open effective immediately, and the deadline to apply is December 31, 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 improvements to indoor air quality in school buildings.
DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman said, “Educators, students, and school staff deserve a safe and comfortable environment in which to teach and learn. Thanks to the work of Governor Lamont and our legislators, the state is making a significant investment in ensuring schools across the state have adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation. Our team at DAS has worked to provide detailed guidance and instructions to support districts in completing the application process, and I strongly encourage school districts to apply.”
Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said, “Children breathe air in schools all day long—this is their home away from home. While it is our responsibility to take care of them in their learning environment, we also need to look after our educators as well. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has learned more about what educators have known for decades, and that is the vital role that proper air circulation plays in our schools. And thanks to Governor Lamont, his leadership on this issue comes at the right time as we continue to ensure a healthy learning environment for our students, faculty, and staff for many years to come.”
Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said, “Ensuring safe and healthy teaching and learning environments for both students and school staff will remain a priority of the CSDE for the upcoming school year. We commend Governor Lamont for investing in indoor air quality improvements and allocating additional funding to HVAC enhancements, as this prioritizes our students' and school staffs’ well-being and ensures they have the right conditions to achieve educational success."
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said, “Efficient and well-functioning HVAC systems are essential to a healthy learning environment for children, something that is all-too relevant this week as students and faculty deal with hot classrooms amidst this heat wave. Efficient HVAC systems are also essential in our effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our state. Heating and cooling buildings using fossil fuels is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in our state. Upgrading HVAC systems reduces energy usage, leading to cost savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and better health outcomes. I applaud Governor Lamont and our DAS partners for once again prioritizing this need in our schools.”
State Senator Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford), Co-Chairman of the Education Committee, said, “I am very pleased to know HVAC funding is readily available for our public schools. Since the pandemic, we’ve come to realize there’s a lot of disparities we need to address, air quality is one of them. Our students, teachers and staff deserve a safe learning and work environment. Upgrading school ventilation systems not only provides healthy air quality, it will be more energy efficient and help save money as well. Ultimately, a well-rounded quality education is what we all strive for.”
State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury, New Fairfield, Ridgefield), Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee and Indoor Air Quality Working Group Chair, said, “The Legislature and Governor have demonstrated our commitment to improving air quality in our public schools with our $450 million grant program. DAS has improved the process for this year’s grant applications, which will make it easier for districts to apply. I’m pleased that the Working Group on Indoor Air Quality will continue its efforts to ensure that the distribution of funds goes to the school districts that have the greatest need for remediation or replacement of their ventilation systems. One thing we all can agree on—good air quality and temperature-controlled classrooms provide the best learning and teaching environment for our students.”
State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester), House Chair of the Education Committee, said, “Well-ventilated spaces create healthier learning environments for the students, teachers and staff but many school districts do not have designated grant managers to oversee the process to apply for this funding to make much-needed and beneficial upgrades to their HVAC systems. I want to thank Commissioner Gilman for listening to concerns from the first round of funding and making assurances that DAS will support these districts through the next phase of the process. I am proud to partner with legislative colleagues, DAS and other agencies, municipal leaders and other advocates to ensure healthy air quality is an integral part of everyone’s learning experience.”
State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), Vice Chair of the Education Committee and Indoor Air Quality Working Group Chair, said, “I’m grateful to DAS’ commitment to improving the roll out of our Indoor Air Quality grants in this second round of approvals. I very much share their eagerness to ensure these funds get out the door to implement the air quality improvements that our students and school communities need and deserve. I look forward to continuing to partner with DAS to improve this process for our districts.”
Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz said, “We are so appreciative that there will be additional funding for air conditioning in our schools. This is a new age when schools are occupied year round with many needed summer programs. We want schools to be community gathering places and teaching and learning to be optimum for all of our students. We need comfortable physical conditions for that to happen. Many thanks to all who will move this important effort forward for Connecticut’s students, staff and families.”