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Governor M. Jodi Rell today lent a hand at groundbreaking ceremonies for the expansion and renovation of Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester - a project that signals the start of a modernization program bringing improvements to every one of the 17 schools in the state's Technical High School system.

 Governor Rell said, "Our attention today is focused on Cheney Tech and this is an important project for students in Manchester and surrounding communities. But this groundbreaking also launches a program to rebuild the entire Technical High School system.

"We are rolling out an $800 million long-range plan to bring all of our technical schools into the 21^st century. This is more than an investment in bricks and mortar. It is an investment in the future of our youngsters and the future of our state's economy. It is also an investment that sends an important message: that we are committed to providing outstanding educational opportunities to meet the needs of all of our students - including those who want to work with their heads and their hands."

Joining the Governor at the groundbreaking ceremonies were: Public Works Commissioner James T. Fleming, Education Commissioner Betty J. Sternberg, Technical Schools Superintendent Abigail L. Hughes and Cheney Tech Principal Bruce Sievers. The ceremony was also attended by several other state and local officials.

The $43 million construction project at Cheney Tech includes a new, 101,000-square-foot wing that will consist of 12 new classrooms and 10 new shops offering instruction in a variety of trades. 

In addition, renovations are planned for the existing, 88,000-square-foot facility. These include all classrooms, administrative space, the gymnasium, cafeteria, library, and related areas.

The project, when completed, will also feature a public restaurant seating 50 people and serving a lunch menu three days per week.

The Cheney expansion and renovations will be completed in September 2007. The architect is Antinozzi Associates of Stratford; the construction administration firm is Turner Construction of Milford; and the contractor is Fusco Corporation of New Haven .

Cheney Tech has an enrollment of 550 students and serves 24 towns in north-central Connecticut.

(Content from Governor's Rell's Web page)