New York Construction Report staff writer
Over 550 Regular Operating Districts (ROD) in New Jersey are now eligible to apply for grants to address critical operational building needs – including school facilities projects, emergent needs, and capital maintenance requirements.
“This funding demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our schools and cementing our legacy as a state that is dedicated to providing every student with a high-quality learning environment,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.
School districts can receive at least 40 percent of eligible project costs if the scope of work is 100 percent eligible for state support and fall under one of the thirteen eligible project categories.
Health and safety issues will be prioritized – including projects to improve air quality, essential upgrades or repairs.
“Funding is designed to address the highest priority projects so we can work toward the goal of ensuring our school facilities are of the same high-quality as the instruction that is being provided within those school walls,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education.
Proposed projects will be prioritized in this order:
- Essential building systems upgrades (Repair or replacement of structural, mechanical/heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems; Includes required refinishing work)
- Building skin (Repair or replacement of roof, windows, masonry, etc.)
- Building code issues
- ADA upgrades (Includes site and building access, toilet room renovations)
- Hazardous material abatement (Radon, lead, asbestos, etc.; Includes required refinishing work)
- Security and communications systems (Includes essential systems)
- Technology infrastructure upgrades
- Site drainage (To remediate an existing problem; Not in conjunction with new construction)
- Elementary school playgrounds
- Renovated or new early childhood classrooms (Includes the renovation and/or new construction)
- Existing site upgrades, excluding athletic fields and tracks (Includes upgrades to sidewalks, paving, fencing, and security lighting)
- Renovation and/or new construction of capacity-generating classrooms to address overcrowding or substandard conditions
