Birch Grove Soil Work Getting Full State Reimbursement

HARTFORD, CT — The work to remove what was deemed "unsuitable soil" at the new Birch Grove Primary School work site will be fully reimbursed by the state.

The local legislative contingent hailed the move as part of a $209 package of grant funding for several school building projects.

The state House of Representatives met in a special session on Sept. 30 and of the state Senate met on Oct. 1.

Birch Grove fell victim to the crumbling foundation crisis in the area and a new school was planned at a cost of $46 million.

In May, a 56 percent reimbursement rate was approved, but in a follow-up move state officials upped the ante to 89 percent.

Construction on the new Birch Grove began this year. As the work began, a soil test showed no pollution, but determined the base was not suitable to support the building. The cost to remove the unsuitable soil was about $1.8 million.

The new school is slated to open in August 2021 for students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 2.