The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has announced 29 school districts across the state will be collectively awarded $9 million in grants for projects that aim to produce immediate and long-term energy and operational savings, improve the indoor environmental qualities of schools, and help stimulate construction-industry jobs in the state.

“These improvements do more than just reduce energy,” said State Superintendent Randy Dorn. “They remove obsolete heating and lighting equipment, keep cold winter breezes out, and help create safer parking lots and walkways.”

In Pierce County, six school districts were awarded nearly $2.2 million in grants: Bethel School District — $191,228; Clover Park School District — $343,305; Puyallup School District — $500,000; Sumner School District — $485,000; Tacoma School District — $450,000; and University Place School District — $216,853.

In total, 50 school districts applied for grant funding for school infrastructure and building system improvements with more than $50.1 million in total project costs. The 29 projects have a total project cost of $38.3 million. To date, the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has granted nearly $134 million to 176 school districts around the state.