A $1 million state grant that would have completely paid for an energy-efficient heating and cooling system for the new elementary school in Hamlin remains in limbo, Western Wayne school directors discussed on Monday.
District officials expected to receive the hefty bounty after the state Department of Environmental Protection granted the money for the geo-thermal system.
But, the district could not spend a dime of it until the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) first approved a permit for an on-site, sewage-treatment facility.
That permit, which was just recently rubber stamped last month after waiting three years, needed to be approved before contractors could break ground on the school and the geo-thermal system.
In the mean time, the $1 million grant has now expired since the moolah had to be spent by last June.
“We needed the sewer permit which took longer than the grant’s life span,” said district superintendent Andy Falonk. “Unfortunately, that’s the process. There was a time frame on one and not on the other.”
DEP officials did not return a request for comment on Tuesday.
The $18.3 new school, located in Salem Township, is set to open in 2011. It will replace the Hamlin and Lake Ariel elementary schools.
Regardless of the grant, the geo-thermal system - a system of underground pipes that provides cheaper heating and cooling - will still be installed, said Falonk.
Meanwhile, the district has asked DEP to extend the deadline for the grant so that the money can be used for the project.
“We have our fingers crossed,” said board vice president Donald McDonough.
The district has yet to receive a decision; contractors are expected to begin site work soon.
In other action at Tuesday’s school board meeting,
• approved a electricity supply agreement with Glacial Energy of Pennsylvania. This is in response to the upcoming deregulation of the state’s energy market, allowing school districts the opportunity to shop for power.
• approved the resignation of Anita Roche, effective March 8, 2010.
• approved new van transportation contracts for the 2009 - 2010 school year.
