The City received good news this week when the low bid for the roof replacement projects at the Belcher and Fairview Veterans Memorial Elementary Schools came in at $1,771,000. That coupled with $489,456 for architecture and project manager costs brings the total cost of the projects to $2,260,456, approximately $1.5 million lower than previously expected. The contracts with J.D. Rivet & Company have been signed by Mayor Kos this week.

These projects are part of the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Project which allows approximately 80% of the total cost of the project to be reimbursed to the City.

“Anytime a project comes in lower than expected it’s a good thing,” said Mayor Kos. “That means the extent of the repairs is less than previously expected and allows us to reduce the amount for which we bond.”

“It is important we improve the buildings where our children learn” said Superintendent Rege. “Fixing these roofs allow us to focus our resources where they belong, on education. I thank the Mayor and the City Council for their continued support of our schools.”

These projects are 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 set to begin and be completed this summer.