State Funding Approved To Replace Tornado Damaged School

The  Massachusetts School Building Authority board voted Wednesday to approve funding for a new school in Springfield to replace one that was severely damaged  by the June 2011 tornado.  WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

   The board voted to approve a grant  totaling $17.5 million for a new  Ellias Brookings Elementary school in Springfield.  During an earlier visit to Springfield, Massachusetts State  Treasurer  Steven  Grossman, who chairs the school building authority board pledged state money to rebuild the damaged school

   Special legislation will allow the school building authority to eventually pay the entire price tag for the new school. Normally state law caps reimbursements at 80 percent .  Springfield officials have estimated the project will cost  $28 million.  Its expected FEMA will pay something.