This story was updated since its original posting to include input from First Selectman Pat Llodra.

HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy has announced that an allocation of $750,000 towards the design of a new building for Sandy Hook Elementary School is slated for approval at next week’s meeting of the State Bond Commission.

“It's hard to imagine that six months have passed since that terrible day,” Governor Malloy said in a June 14, 2013 release. “In that time, we have mourned deeply for those we lost and done our best to move forward in a way that honors their memory. There are many decisions to be made when it comes to the construction of a new school. There will be many challenges along the way. But it’s my hope that by announcing this funding today, we can help Newtown continue with the healing process. Our thoughts are with those 26 angels today and their families. Their memories will forever be close to our hearts.”

Governor Malloy explained that this funding is being made available now to help the project, which is still in its early stages, begin moving forward as quickly as possible.

First Selectman Pat Llodra told The Newtown Bee Friday afternoon that the $50 million in state bonding for the school project recently approved by the legislature would not be accessible until sometime in the fall. She said Governor Malloy's office asked Thursday if the town required any funds for construction-related work sooner, and she quickly calculated what she thought would be enough to cover design phase costs and requested $750,000.

"And, today it's here," Mrs Llodra said. "I can't thank the governor and his staff enough for how quickly they've responded to the needs of our community."

State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, whose district includes Newtown, said, “On the sixth month anniversary of 12/14, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims and their families. I am pleased that the State of Connecticut is contributing to the effort to help Newtown heal and rebuild.”

Earlier this month, the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation authorizing a separate allocation of up to $50 million in bonding for the school's construction. That funding will be taken up for final consideration by members of the State Bond Commission in the coming months, as the project progresses and its needs are assessed.  All funding will be issued on an expedited basis.

The meeting will be held on Friday, June 21, at 10:30 am, in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.