The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), through its Accelerated Repair Program (ARP), has awarded over $13 million for critical heating system and roof replacement projects across four schools in the City of Lowell.
The ARP provides funding for the repair or replacement of roofs, windows, and boilers in schools that are otherwise structurally, functionally, and educationally sound. The program is intended to offset costs associated with significant renovations, including roofs and boilers that exceed 25 years in age. Up to 78.95% of each approved project is funded by the MSBA through the program, with the remaining 20.05% funded locally. Following a competitive state-wide application process on behalf of the City, the awarded funds will be used toward crucial projects slated to get underway in the Summer of 2024.
The Lowell City Council has prioritized maintenance and improvements of all municipal facilities, especially schools, in Lowell. At the direction of the Council, the City Manager and his Administration have been engaged in a directed effort to leverage available funds through ARP, as well as other available local and federal funding, to improve school facilities. In the FY2023 capital budget, the Council appropriated $2.3 million for school improvements, and the City Manager's ARPA budget adds an additional $7 million in municipal building improvements, including schools. All told, these projects represent an investment of over $20 million in area schools.
"The approval of these projects is a significant step forward in the City Council's aggressive campaign to make long overdue repairs to our aging school facilities," said City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. "We are building on our commitment to bring our area schools forward."
The four approved projects are:
- Dr. An Wang Middle School – project will replace the entire roof with a new single ply EPDM membrane roof and install all new condensing boilers in the Summer of 2024. Total budget: $5,707,748
- Henry J. Robinson Middle School – project will install all new energy efficient windows throughout the entire school as well as all new exterior doors and a new singly ply EPDM membrane roof in the Summer of 2024. Total budget: $10,375,558
- John J. Shaughnessy Elementary School – project will replace the existing boilers with all new condensing boilers in the Summer of 2024. Total budget: $1,225,175
- S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School – project will replace the entire existing roof with a new single ply EPDM membrane roof in the Summer of 2024. Total budget: $4,046,649
"The funding and technical assistance provided by the Accelerated Repair Program is an invaluable tool to the city in making these repairs," added City Manager Golden. "We are grateful that State Treasurer Deb Goldberg and the Board of Directors at the MSBA have recognized the importance of these high-priority projects and appreciate their continued partnership."