Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.

Crisco Reports Imminent State Funds For Boiler Maintenance at O’Brien Tech

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today welcomed the imminent release of state funding for needed repairs to the heating system at Emmet O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia. Senator Crisco said $9,000 will be allocated for boiler repairs and to remove and replace the sump pumps in the school’s boiler room.

The two-part project is listed on the agenda for next Monday’s meeting of the State Bond Commission; Senator Crisco said he expects approval for the funding at that time.

“I have long maintained the inherent value in our state’s vocational—technical high school system as an incubator for a well-trained and experienced workforce of tomorrow,” Senator Crisco said. “It’s a time-honored example of how public—private collaboration can work: the state invests in its vo-tech system and the private sector provides work/study opportunities, apprenticeships, internships, and real-world experience for those enrolled.”

More than 500 students from nearby communities study at O’Brien Tech. The school offers training and hands-on experience in carpentry, automotive mechanics, machine drafting, culinary arts, electronics, and other specialties. Some 10,000 students across Connecticut are enrolled in 17 vo-tech high schools.

“A safe, healthy school environment is among the most critical components of effective education—in this case students would have a difficult time in their classrooms, labs, and workshops without adequate heating—the timing of this grant couldn’t be better,” Senator Crisco said. “I’m grateful to Governor Malloy and the other bond commission members for their ongoing support of these training programs and for their specific support of O’Brien Tech in this instance.”