WPRO News

State and federal governments are committing $20 million dollars toward energy-efficiency steps in dozens of Rhode Island schools.

At West Warwick High School on Friday, officials outlined plans to make energy efficient infrastructure improvements at schools across the state, including LED lighting, ventilation system upgrades, heat-pump water heaters and more.

“Young people understand, that … when they’re shivering in a schoolroom in the middle of winter saying, “they don’t care much about this, why should I?” This is really a big part of education,” said Senator Jack Reed.

“Not only is it going to improve the quality of life for students, but it’ll save money for every city and town we can apply these funds,” Reed said.

Reed secured a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy earmark, and $5 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Combined with a previous commitment of $10 million from the RGGI, the program will provide $20 million overall in financial assistance for schools statewide.

Ten schools have already been equipped with LED lighting, including in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket. Fourteen more schools are slated for LED improvements, including in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and West Warwick.

“Our students and staff need and deserve 21st Century learning spaces,” said Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, as she echoed Reed’s remarks.

“Our kids know, they know when you care. They know if the facility looks modern, if we’re moving forward, if we’re continuing to invest. They know,” Infante-Green said.

Also taking part in the announcement were Gov. Dan McKee, Acting State Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns, West Warwick Town Manager Mark Knott and West Warwick Superintendent of Schools Karen Tarasevich.