Bill would set aside $500 million for school ventilation grants

The Department of Education would run the grant application process. The Schools Development Authority would pay approved grants. Districts outside the Schools Development Authority district category could apply to repair, maintain, improve, replace, or install school heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Projects in underserved communities would get priority when at least 50 percent of district students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Grants would cover no more than 75 percent of project costs. The state share would equal final eligible costs multiplied by the district's aid percentage or 40 percent, whichever is greater. New or replacement systems would have to meet state ventilation and filtration standards. The education commissioner could also set cost-effectiveness standards. The program would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law. State payments would start only after a district secures financing for its local share.

New Jersey would set aside $500 million from its General Fund for the School Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Grant Program. The money would go into the Regular Operating District Construction and Maintenance Grants Fund to pay grants under the program. The funding provision would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.