TOLLAND, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Tolland's Birch Grove Primary School has a dubious distinction. It is the first public building in Connecticut to have a crumbling foundation confirmed to have been caused by pyrrhotite in the concrete.
It's the same problem that has plagued countless residential structures, mainly in Northeastern Connecticut, causing home values to drop and the state to set up a captive insurance company to help affected homeowners.
Second District Congressman Joe Courtney toured the school Tuesday, getting a first-hand look at the damage that is expected to make the school unusable in several years.
Courtney is supporting legislation in Washington that would provide federal money to help rebuild schools with failing foundations. The cost to replace Birch Grove is estimated at roughly $46 million.
Though the school is the first public building in Connecticut to be affected by the crumbling foundation crisis, Courtney doubts it will be the last.
