$5 Million Approved for New Sandy Hook Elementary School

The Connecticut Bond Commission has unanimously approved a $5 million grant for the construction of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

The commission – which includes Gov. Dan Malloy, Treasurer Denise Nappier, and the secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, as well as members of the General Assembly – did not even discuss the matter before casting votes.

It comes nearly two years after the December 2012 shooting massacre that left 26 people dead including students and educators.

“Given that we are just a few weeks from the two year anniversary, I want everyone to know that the State of Connecticut joins everyone in Newtown in their resolve to move forward despite the most challenging of circumstances," Malloy told reporters immediately following the meeting.

With Wednesday's grant, the state Bond Commission has provided more than $12 million to Sandy Hook.

The Connecticut General Assembly previously allocated $50 million for the demolition of the original school as well as the construction of a new facility.

The new school sits on the same plot of land as the old facility. Construction is slated to be complete in 2016 in time for the school year.

The new Sandy Hook Elementary School will span approximately 87,000 square feet with 23 classrooms, a cafeteria with kitchen, library, gymnasium, and spaces for art and music.

“The action of the Bonding Commission today serves to remind us in Newtown and all through the state of the generosity and support of the Governor's Office and of virtually every state office and legislator. The new Sandy Hook School will become a reality in 2016 because of that generosity. We are humbled and thankful for the continuing kindness of our state partners," Newtown First Selectwomaan Patricia Llodra in a statement.

Construction crews broke ground on the foundation for the new school last month.

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