The state Bond Commission has approved funding for the Connecticut Institute for Communities. The grant-in-aid will help with expansion of the Greater Danbury Community Health Center. The addition will expand the facility by approximately 8,400 square feet. The estimated cost is $4 million. $1 million in other funding will be contributed to the work. The Bond Commission approved the $3 million balance.
The Commission also approved $10 million for the School Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program. The initiative was started after the shootings at Sandy Hook School. Since that time, with matching local funds, it has invested $53 million for improvements at 1,200 schools.
Towns and schools may be reimbursed for development or improvement of the security infrastructure of schools, based on the results of school building security assessments required by the legislation. The improvements include the installation of surveillance cameras, penetration resistant vestibules, ballistic glass, solid core doors, double door access, computer-controlled electronic locks, entry door buzzer systems, scan card systems, panic alarms or other systems, the training of school personnel in the operation and maintenance of the security infrastructure of school buildings or the purchase of portable entrance security devices, including metal detector wands and screening machines and related training.
