05.12.10 | Sens. Webb & Warner, Rep. Scott Announce $3.7 Million Grant for Portsmouth's Lakeview Elementary School
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner and Rep. Bobby Scott announced today that Portsmouth's Lakeview Elementary School has received a $3.7 million federal stimulus grant to address air quality issues believed to have contributed to an increase in asthma among students. The poor air quality at Lakeview Elementary has been traced to excessive humidity and related mold issues, and this grant will fund replacements of the building's roof, ceilings, windows, doors and the HVAC system.
According to the Virginia Asthma Coalition, Portsmouth ranks 5th highest among localities in the Commonwealth in primary diagnoses of asthma, and incidents of asthma among elementary school students in Portsmouth have increased 25% over the past two years. When completed, this upgrade also is expected to save Portsmouth City Schools more than $6,000 a year in projected energy costs.
"In the near-term, this project will help put people to work and help Portsmouth Public Schools save on energy costs," Senator Mark R. Warner said. "More importantly, over the long-term, this project will result in a safer, healthier learning environment for Lakeview's nearly 600 students, its faculty and staff."
"This economic recovery grant is good news for the Portsmouth community," said Senator Jim Webb. "The $3.7 million investment in Lakeview Elementary will put people to work, cut down on future energy costs, and provide a healthy learning environment for Lakeview's students."
"The Hampton Roads community is again positively benefiting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act," said Rep. Bobby Scott. "This Recovery Act grant will put people back to work, save Portsmouth Public Schools and taxpayers money in energy costs every year, and most importantly it will improve air quality for hundreds of students at Lakeview. Had it not been for the Recovery Act, this vital project may have continued to be delayed because of tough local and state budget constraints. I thank the Obama Administration for awarding this grant to the City of Portsmouth."
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