District wins nearly $1.2 million SRF grant to replace aging HVAC equipment at 1968 building

The RSU 60/MSAD 60 district was awarded a state Revolving Renovation Fund (SRF) grant of about $1.2 million to replace aging steam‑era equipment and improve ventilation in the 1968 building, a presenter identified in the meeting only as Don said.

Don told the board the district’s application was one of roughly 36 awards from nearly 94 applicants and that the SRF program prioritizes indoor air quality projects. He cited measured CO2 levels and other indoor‑air indicators documented by school staff and the application packet as part of the need justification for replacements and rebuilds of unit ventilators and steam valves.

On funding terms, Don said part of the SRF award is forgiven and the portion the district must repay carries 0% interest over a 10‑year term. “The part that you pay back is paid back at 0% over 10 years,” Don said, adding that the arrangement is a favorable funding opportunity for necessary HVAC replacements.

Don placed the award in statewide context: the district’s successful application followed a larger SRF award cycle two years earlier that had yielded a nearly $6.4 million grant to several schools. He encouraged the board and administration to view the SRF funds as a timely way to address unit ventilators and other mechanical components that are at the end of their useful life.

District administrators and the consultants said the SRF award will be coordinated with projects already underway (HBAC/ventilation upgrades) and that final project scopes and timetables will be developed with grant conditions in mind. No vote on the grant terms was recorded in the discussion.

Next step: District staff will coordinate implementation planning to apply SRF funds to equipment replacements and ventilation upgrades as described in the application.