Public schools statewide will benefit from $25 million that has been released for capital improvement projects.

The money includes $15 million for the design and construction of school repairs and maintenance, and $10 million to continue the closure and conversion of cesspools at schools statewide to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act.

"This continuing investment in our state's infrastructure to improve residents' quality of life will ensure that Hawai'i's elementary, middle and high school students have safe and well-maintained classrooms and facilities where they can learn and participate in school activities," said Gov. Linda Lingle, in a prepared statement announcing the release of the money.

The $15 million will be used to begin more than $66 million worth of improvements at 248 schools statewide.

The projects include electrical repairs, reroofing, resurfacing of driveways and drainage improvements, and are scheduled to be completed by June 2010.

The release of the remainder of the money will be requested by the Department of Education as part of future appropriations.

The $10 million allotment will be used to continue the conversion of cesspools at schools statewide to meet a consent decree deadline of September 2009.

Projects covered by these funds include cesspool conversions at Waimea Elementary School, Waimea Middle School and Kohala High School on the Big Island; Anahola School on Kaua'i; and the first phase of work at Lahainaluna High School on Maui.

Part of the allotment will also be used to purchase tanks for schools that will be funded as part of the next request. The DOE will request the release of an additional $39 million for cesspool conversions as work progresses and crews are available to start.