Jan. 11—COVENTRY — Voters on Tuesday approved appropriating funds for upgrades to the HVAC system at Coventry High School by 479 to 153.
“I think I speak for the whole Town Council in expressing our appreciation to voters,” Town Council Chairwoman Lisa Thomas said this morning. “Moving forward on this project will help ensure that our children and school staff are in a safe, healthy environment.”
The total cost of the project is $11.07 million, and town officials have said that the state would reimburse nearly 60% of the cost, or $6.3 million, through grant money.
Thomas said that the state is expected to announce the grant awards in February.
The state grant would leave Coventry’s share of the project at little over $4.75 million.
Of the remaining balance, $1.4 million is left over from an energy bond approved in 2019, and $1.3 million remains from a bond for a roof replacement project that came in under budget, which can be repurposed for the HVAC project.
The town will still have to bond nearly $2.1 million for the remainder of the costs.
Matthew covers Stafford and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer.
