Gov. Linda Lingle has released $3.8 million for construction of the new 'Ewa Makai Middle School that is scheduled to be open for the 2009-2010 school year.

The money will be used to design a new campus to alleviate overcrowding at 'Ilima Intermediate School and six other elementary schools in the Department of Education's Campbell Area Complex.

An additional $4.2 million was released for other school construction and renovation projects, including $2 million for accessibility improvements at McKinley High School to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The project includes modifications to walkways, ramps, parking stalls, elevators and building interiors and exteriors.

Construction is set to start in May.

'Aiea Intermediate School will receive $1.2 million to upgrade its electrical system to support computer and technology equipment. The funds are in addition to $650,000 previously released for the project. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2007.

At Waialua High and Intermediate School, $690,000 was released for athletic complex improvements. The first phase entails construction of three regulation-size tennis courts so tournaments can be held at the school.

The funding also will cover acquisition of four acres of land, and once the land is acquired, the second phase will start with construction of a new softball field, restrooms and parking facility.

The project, which already has received $283,000 in funding, is expected to be completed in June 2008.

August Ahrens, Ka'ewai and Noelani elementary schools will receive $336,000 to renovate special-education classrooms, install air conditioning and make accessibility improvements. Construction is expected to start in June.