SB 876 - State Grant Commitments for School Building Projects

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Construction Services to enter into state grant commitments for 31 public school building projects totaling approximately $795 million in estimated project costs and $501 million in estimated state grants.

• Approves reauthorization of 6 previously authorized projects with changed scope or cost, including projects in Brooklyn, Eastford, Meriden, New Haven, Stratford, and CREC schools.

• Grants individual municipalities and districts exemptions from standard regulations regarding enrollment projections, square footage specifications, change order submission deadlines, and project type classifications for specific school projects.

• Allows extended application deadlines (generally until June 30, 2014) for new projects in East Hartford, Clinton, Enfield, Orange, New Haven, and other towns to qualify for state grant assistance.

• Permits Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) to include temporary financing costs and staff salaries in eligible project costs for 10 interdistrict magnet school construction projects.