Gov. Lamont says state budget will reimburse 95% to replace Cheshire High's Alumni Field

Governor Ned Lamont announced at a June community event at Cheshire High School that the state budget includes a 95% reimbursement for the replacement of Alumni Field, the on-campus turf and track used by school teams and community groups.

"Thanks to Governor Lamont's support, the state budget includes a 95% reimbursement for what we spend on this field," Lamont said, prompting cheering and applause from the crowd. He added that the project reflects investment in schools and community life across Connecticut.

School leaders and town officials framed the project as a safety and community-asset issue. Cheshire High School Athletic Director John Peracchio said the field and track are well past typical service lives and argued replacement is necessary "not simply to preserve what we have, but to protect the safety and experience of thousands of students and community members who use these facilities each year." Peracchio added that the average synthetic turf field in New England lasts about 10 to 12 years and that Cheshire's surface has served the community for roughly 15 spring seasons.

State Representative Liz Linehan, who identified herself as a Cheshire parent and sports mom, described seeking state assistance for the project. "Technically in the state law, the state doesn't fund fields like this," Linehan said, and then recounted calling Lamont to press the case. She invited the governor to the podium before his announcement.

Lamont praised the state's teachers and schools and framed the funding as part of broader support for education and local communities. He also said he expected the work to move quickly: "This is going to be a beautiful field in less than a year," he told attendees.

The announcement at the event was verbal; organizers did not provide text of the budget language or implementation details at the gathering. Town officials and school administrators will need to confirm the specific budget line, timing for reimbursements, and next steps for contracting and construction.

The event closed with thanks to volunteers, school staff and elected officials. Officials said they expect to move forward with planning and replacement once the budget processes and administrative steps are confirmed.