NASHUA, N.H.—Questions about the scope and cost of the project have delayed plans to install geothermal heating and cooling systems in three elementary schools.
Construction officials had said they could start work on the multimillion dollar project this summer, but Jim Mealey, the school district's chief operating officer, said work probably won't begin until next summer at the earliest.
The city wants to install geothermal systems at the Fairgrounds, Ledge Street and Charlotte Avenue to replace aging boilers -- some of which date back to the 1950s -- and save money on energy costs. Members of a school building committee have spent the last year looking at various designs and hearing from people who have worked on other geothermal projects.
At a recent meeting, Mealey said the project has stalled and asked the committee for some direction. Some officials are concerned about the cost: the overall price tag has been estimated by as much as $23.4 million, but the committee voted last month to ask the school board to remove the Charlotte Avenue school from the project to save money.
Others have questioned the scope of the project. The geothermal systems would include a combination of underground water and solar power to heat and cool the buildings, but some have questioned whether the solar panels and other aspects of the project are necessary.
The board of alderman is considering a $65.9 million bond that includes $13 million for work at the three schools. A public hearing on the bond is scheduled for July 14.
------
Information from: The Telegraph, http://www.nashuatelegraph.com
