Press Release - City Seeks State Funding for School Construction Projects.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - On July 23, 2007 the New Bedford School Committee unanimously voted to submit a "Statement of Interest" to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) that would request consideration for 80% state funding for three school building projects under its "Fiscal Year 2008 School Building Grant Program."

The "Statement" requests that the MSBA return the Elwyn G. Campbell, John B. DeValles, and Betsey B. Winslow Elementary Schools, to the state grant program list for consideration. 

The submission of this "Statement of Interest" will officially notify the Massachusetts School Building Authority of the City of New Bedford's commitment to providing the finest educational facilities to enhance educational opportunities available to its children.The City's submission of the "Statement of Interest" to the MSBA does not indicate whether the building projects will be new construction, rehabilitations, or additions to existing structures.Additionally, the "Statement of Interest" form will not in any way affect the City's existing consolidated school building grant that has approximately $48,000,000.00 remaining and will be reimbursed at 90% by the state. 

While the submission of the "Statement of Interest" would not guarantee additional state funding for New Bedford school building projects, it would add New Bedford to the list of municipalities to considered for funding at a 80% reimbursement rate under the Fiscal Year 2008 School Building Program.Thus far, the Massachusetts School Building Authority has received more than 200 "Statements of Interest" from school districts throughout the Commonwealth.

Mayor Scott W. Lang said this is an opportunity for New Bedford to indicate to the state that it is interested in putting these schools back on the grant list for consideration, "The Campbell, DeValles, and Winslow elementary school projects were previously withdrawn from the state grant program in order to take advantage of the state's grant conversion program which allowed for the consolidation of previously awarded grants to cover cost overruns at the new Keith Middle School and its surrounding area.The city's participation in the state grant conversion program ultimately saved New Bedford taxpayers approximately $54 million.Resubmitting the Campbell, DeValles, and Winslow schools for consideration under the new grant program will begin the process to restore funding to New Bedford's school building program."

In addition to the School Committee's affirmative vote, the New Bedford City Council's affirmative vote is required to authorize the City's submission of the "Statement of Interest" to MSBA.A Special Meeting of the New Bedford City Council is scheduled for Monday, July 30, 2007 at 7:30 PM in the council chambers, at which time this matter will be before the Council.The City must submit its "Statement of Interest" for on July 31, 2007.

Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

View all articles by Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)