Cape Girardeau School District to get grant of more than $91,000

A state grant will boost plans for construction in the Cape Girardeau School District, including projects outlined in the bond proposal.

The district is slated to receive more than $91,000 as part of a grant awarded to Cape Girardeau County, said engineer Mark Strickland, who worked with district on the bond proposal.

The Department of Natural Resources awarded the county nearly $319,000 through its Energize Missouri Communities Program to fund energy efficiency upgrades. The department awarded about $11.3 million statewide through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Leopold, Meadow Heights, Nell Holcomb and Oak Ridge school districts will receive part of the county funds.

"This grant will allow the upcoming bond issue funds to pay for more energy efficiency projects in our buildings, including the Career and Technology Center and Blanchard Elementary," said Neil Glass, director of administrative services.

The bond proposal will be decided by voters today. It contains $40 million in construction and renovation projects, including about $655,000 in electrical upgrades. If approved, the plan would also build a new elementary school, and an event complex, classroom addition and auditorium at the high school.

The grant will fund gym lighting, occupancy sensors and light fixture replacements, part of a list of alternate projects in the district's facilities plan. The facilities plan, the backbone of the bond proposal, includes nearly $10 million alternate projects that could be added throughout construction.

The upgrades funded by the grant will result in a $65,000 annual decrease in operating costs, according to an analysis by the district's team of architects, engineers and construction managers. The district is also pursuing another grant through AmerenUE that could bring annual energy savings to more than $86,000.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave. Cape Girardeau, MO