These NJ districts are getting state money for a billion dollars in upgrades

💲 The state grants should assist with $1 billion worth of school construction projects

💲 Planned upgrades include roofs, water heaters, HVAC systems, and more

💲 $450 million will be spread across more than 200 districts

Hundreds of school districts across the Garden State have been approved for funding from New Jersey for their much-needed school construction projects.

The New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey School Development Authority on Thursday announced the approval of close to $450 million in funds.

The money is earmarked for 668 projects across 261 school districts. The projects include essential building system upgrades, such as the repair or replacement of structural components and electrical systems.

"Coupled with an infusion of local funding, this collaboration will generate more than $1 billion in important upgrades to schools throughout New Jersey," said Gov. Phil Murphy.

Local contributions for the projects are estimated to total more than $598.5 million. The state-funded grants represent at least 40% of the total cost.

Officials noted that $350 million of the $450 million in grants will come from New Jersey's Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund, which was established two years ago as a way to help avoid incurring new borrowing.

The NJDOE determined which projects will receive grant funds. The approved upgrades include 320 HVAC systems, 79 boilers or water heaters, and 211 roofs.

"Schools are the centers of children's lives and they deserve buildings and facilities that encourage progress during this critical time in their development," said Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. "In collaboration with our local partners, we are making much needed investments in the classrooms and other physical spaces that will support their academic growth."

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of the list below included some incorrect information. 

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