Construction of the $66.9 million 'Ewa Makai Middle School is expected to get under way this summer following release of the money by Gov. Linda Lingle.

The release of the money was announced yesterday in a press release.

When finished in July 2010, the campus is expected to ease overcrowding at 'Ilima Intermediate School and the seven elementary schools in the Department of Education's Campbell Area Complex. The DOE is proposing to open the school during the 2010-2011 school year.

The governor released $3.8 million for design of the school in September 2006. The total cost of the school, which will be built in phases, is estimated to be $82.6 million.

The project will incorporate sustainable design features and has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the silver level.