State and local officials Monday took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking for additions and renovations to Ansonia’s Emmett O’Brien Technical High School.
Construction started in May on the $94.3‑million project, and the work is slated to be completed in February 2017.
The project includes 46,000 square feet of new construction and 124,000 square feet of renovation in the school, located at 141 Prindle Ave..
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman was on hand for Monday’s ceremony and said “a strong work force depends on a pipeline of real talent.”
The construction will provide “a stronger, safer, learning environment for the students,” she said.
”Technical high schools are the places to go now,” Wyman said, because students not only learn academics but graduate with a skill. She said education works best when private and public entities work together.
Connecticut Technical High School System Superintendent Nivea Torres said, “Today we take a step (toward the) creation of a school that will capitalize on the thriving economic development of the region.”
Torres said the school is increasing its number of career pathways from 10 to 11, with a new information systems technology program.
Pasquale J. Salemi, deputy commissioner of the state’s Department of Construction Services, said O’Brien has been on a list of important projects since 2011. The project was authorized in 2005, he said.
The New Haven-based Fusco Corp. is construction manager, and Salemi said O’Brien is the fourth state tech school project Fusco has managed.
O’Brien Principal Laurie LeBouthillier said the project marked “the beginning of a milestone for the history of Emmett O’Brien. It’s a new chapter.”
She said, “A technical education is important to the future of our young people. (With the addition) we will be able to create training and employment for many years to come.”
Pictured at left are officials posing for the obligatory shovel-in-dirt groundbreaking ceremony photo.
They are, from left to right: Assistant Principal Justin Lowe, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, Jerry Clupper, executive director, New Haven Manufacturers Association, Pasquale J. Salemi, Connecticut Department of Construction Services, Principal Laurie LeBouthillier, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Nivea Torres, Superintendent, Connecticut Technical High School System, Bob Trefry, chairman, Connecticut Technical High School System board, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Levinson, Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, state Rep. Linda M. Gentile.
Construction administration is being handled by Arcadis‑U.S. of Middletown.
