The Massachusetts School Building Authority on Monday gave final approval for the funding for the Accelerated Repair Project for the roof replacement projects at the Belcher and Fairview Veterans Memorial Elementary Schools.

The approval allows approximately 80% of the total cost of the project, estimated to be $3.8 million, to be reimbursed to the City from the MSBA up to $3,009,624.

"I am pleased the MSBA has approved the funding for these projects” said Mayor Richard Kos. “This allows us to extend the life of these two buildings at a greatly reduced cost to the local taxpayer.”

Continued Mayor Kos, “I want to thank the City Council and School Committee for their support as well as Chairman Wagner and Treasurer Goldberg for their efforts in securing these reimbursements.”

"I'm very pleased that the MSBA is continuing to invest in Chicopee's public schools," said Representative Wagner. "By helping districts maintain their existing infrastructure, this state program will yield significant savings for the taxpayers over the long run. I'd like to thank Mayor Kos and Treasurer Goldberg for their partnership on behalf our students."

These projects mark the eleventh MSBA reimbursement for projects that Chicopee has received, all of which either began or ended under Mayor Kos throughout the last 15 years.

Construction on these projects is expected to begin this summer.