Gov. Linda Lingle has released $10.9 million for construction of a new gymnasium at Hilo High School.

The current gym was built in 1937, and is undersized in comparison with standard high school gyms today, according to state officials.

Lingle released $1.1 million in design funds for this project in April 2007, and design work for the gym is ongoing.

The project cost is estimated at $12 million in total. Construction is set to begin in January 2009, and be completed in March 2010.