Groton, New London and Norwich are slated to each receive grants of $477,647 to improve their schools, state legislators announced Tuesday.

The state Bond Commission authorized on Tuesday $30 million in funding for the state's 33 Alliance Districts to use towards eligible projects, such as improvements to heating and ventilation systems, communications and technology systems, lighting, driveways, parking lots, athletic fields, roof repairs and security equipment.

“It’s really a wonderful step forward for the schools,” Groton Superintendent Michael Graner said.

State Rep. Christine Conley, D-Groton, said in a statement that she is delighted that Groton's school district will receive the money. "This grant will go a long way in ensuring the schools in Groton will remain superb for the foreseeable future," she said.

"This aid illustrates Connecticut's continued commitment to educational excellence," state Rep. Joe de la Cruz, D-Groton, said in a statement. "I am thrilled that the Groton and New London school systems have secured the funds needed to make crucial improvements to their campuses."

Kate McCoy, executive director of district operations and magnet pathways for New London Public Schools, said the district is thrilled to have the opportunity to use the grant to address facility needs.

Norwich school district officials are meeting with the principals to determine the top priorities for the funding, Assistant Superintendent Tamara Gloster said.

Graner said his district greatly appreciates the additional support the state provides for districts that are educating some of the state’s lower socio-economic students. He said he will brief the Board of Education next week on the grant but most likely the district will use the funding to improve its telecommunications system.

He said the telephone and intercommunications system at Central Office and a few schools are in need of upgrades. The funding would enable the district to have a very reliable intercom and phone system, which would improve both safety and efficiency of operations.

Conley said Groton initially was not included as part of the Alliance Districts slated to receive funding, since the funding was being divvied up based on an older list. She said she and de la Cruz worked to make sure Groton and Thompson, the two newest Alliance Districts, were counted.

Conley said Alliance Districts are always in need of funding for building upgrades, but especially in these times when school systems are spending money on personal protective equipment and facing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited funds, it’s a concern that the districts may not be able to do some of their building upkeep, so grant funding is more necessary.

Day Staff Writer Claire Bessette contributed to this report.

k.drelich@theday.com