MONROE, CT — A $190,000 request to update and replace STEM computer labs and certain PCs at Monroe’s public schools for grades K-12 is among the final list of 10 projects U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, will submit to the Appropriations Committee Community Project Funding process, according to First Selectman Ken Kellogg.
When the town received the notice for project submissions, Kellogg tasked Community & Economic Recovery Coordinator Bill Holsworth to work with Himes’ office to identify eligible projects.
“We discussed a wide variety of ideas, ranging from public safety infrastructure to improvements at Wolfe Park and our Senior Center,” Holsworth said. “Ultimately, we determined that refining a submission focused on STEM technology in our schools was an effort that met the various criteria and had strong support from Rep. Himes.”
Funding the project through this program would eliminate the need for municipal bonding for the STEM labs, which in turn reduces the town’s costs for debt service, according to a press release from the First Selectman’s Office.
Kellogg expressed his gratitude to both Himes and Holsworth.
“We know that over 50 applications from several towns were submitted to Rep. Himes, and I’m sure they were all worthy of consideration,” said Kellogg. “I’m very grateful to Mr. Holsworth for putting forward a successful effort to pursue this federal funding opportunity, and of course to Rep. Himes for his support of this project. While we understand all request are still pending additional approvals at the federal level, I am excited that Monroe is being considered.”
