Overview
Through Act 9 of 2021, the Vermont State Legislature created, and Governor Scott enacted, the ARP School Indoor Air Quality Grant Program using American Rescue Plan funds to pay for improvements to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Vermont public and approved independent schools.
The School Indoor Air Quality Grant Program provides technical assistance and financial support to public and approved independent schools upgrading HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality in response to COVID-19 guidelines from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The Grant Program, totaling $15,000,000 through December 2024, is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.
Program funding is limited and will be prioritized based on need, as measured by percentage of a building’s square footage currently served by mechanical ventilation. Requirements dictate that installation of HVAC systems in buildings with no mechanical ventilation currently be given first priority. Projects funded through the Grant Program must be completed by October 31, 2024.
LEAs or approved independent schools receiving these funds will need to follow the School Construction with Federal Funds guidance and will need to complete both Concept and Project Approval steps prior to receiving reimbursement for project costs. Information regarding this process is located on the AOE School Construction website and questions can be directed to the AOE.federalconstruction@vermont.gov team.
LEAs may “braid” these funds with ESSER funds, but should be aware of the different periods of performance for each grant and ensure that project costs and specific deadlines are able to be tracked to each separate fund.
Key Dates
March 15, 2022- ARP School Indoor Air Quality Application available through Efficiency Vermont School Intake Form.
Projects will be approved on a monthly rolling basis until the available funds have been allocated. It is anticipated that this may be in early fall 2022, so it is important that LEAs and approved independent schools apply for funding as soon as possible.
October 31, 2024- deadline for project completion
December 31, 2024- end of ARP School Indoor Air Quality Grant Program
Key Links
School Indoor Air Quality Grant Program (Efficiency Vermont)
School Intake Form (Efficiency Vermont)