The City of New Bedford is adding on to the Sea Lab Marine Science Center in the South End, so the structure can serve the new William H. Taylor elementary school.

The addition will add 26,000 square feet, adding new classrooms, a gymnasium and an expanded service kitchen.

Layout of addiction / Jim Phillips TSM
Layout of addiction / Jim Phillips TSM
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Mayor Jon Mitchell says the Taylor School is one of several elementary schools that needs replacing. "The Taylor School was built during the administration of Grover Cleveland. Its about time that the City, with the help of the Mass. School Building Authority, get down to the business of modernizing the school system," said the Mayor.

The building will continue to host the Sea Lab program.

Rep. Antonio Cabral of New Bedford says the M-S-B-A will pay 90% of the Taylor School project.

The New Bedford Democrat is looking for more school funding down the road. "Its a great day for us and I'm looking forward to the 80% funding for other projects like Hannigan and DeValles School and other buildings throughout the city."

The M-S-B-A has already committed to funding 80% of the cost of a new Hannigan School. That school has been closed since 2006 after its roof collapsed.

Officials take part in ceremonial ground-breaking / Jim Phillips TSM
Officials take part in ceremonial ground-breaking / Jim Phillips TSM
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