A sum of money is slated to be set aside to help cover design expenses for the new Sandy Hook Elementary School building, Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Friday, the six-month anniversary of the shooting.
"It's hard to imagine that six months have passed since that terrible day," he said. "In that time, we have mourned deeply for those we lost and done our best to move forward in a way that honors their memory. There are many decisions to be made when it comes to the construction of a new school. There will be many challenges along the way. But it’s my hope that by announcing this funding today, we can help Newtown continue with the healing process.
"Our thoughts are with those 26 angels today and their families. Their memories will forever be close to our hearts."
Malloy added the funding is designed to help move the project as quickly as possible.
Officials have voiced a desire to move the project as quickly as possible, bringing a project management firm on board to help. Newtown's Public Building and Site Commission has been tasked with handling design for the school. In April, Public Building and Site Commissioner Robert Mitchell told officials he had met with the state.
"We've been dealing with the State Department of Construction Services, trying to work on how we can accelerate the project through the normal state way of doing things," he said.
Officials hope to complete the new Sandy Hook Elementary School by 2016.
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