New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy today announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $22.7 million to replace the existing John Hannigan Elementary School in New Bedford with a new facility serving Kindergarten through grade 5 on the existing site. One of the next steps is for the District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget, along with the conditions under which the City will receive its MSBA grant.
“Upon completion, the new Hannigan School will provide a modern learning environment for the City’s students,” Treasurer Goldberg said. “Our goal is create the best space to deliver the district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The new, 74,000 square-foot school will be built based on a design enrollment of 400 students in Kindergarten through grade 5. The MSBA will contribute 80% of eligible costs toward the project, for a total grant of up to $22,726,582. The current school was built in 1921 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and roof.
“The new Hannigan Elementary School will replace an aging building with an upto-date, 21st century learning facility,” stated Executive Director McCarthy.
“Students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,600 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $11.5 billion in reimbursements for school construction
