BOSTON — Six Franklin County towns were among the 72 municipalities in the state to get Green Communities competitive grants from the Baker-Polito administration Monday.
The grants, totaling $14,043,257, will be used to fund clean energy projects.
“Today’s grant announcement is the largest award in the Green Communities program history and represents our administration’s commitment to supporting clean energy efforts for our partners in cities and towns across Massachusetts,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “The projects funded by these grants will allow cities and towns across the Commonwealth to reinvest their energy savings in vital public services like schools, public safety, and local infrastructure.”
The following Franklin County towns received Municipality Grants:
Buckland, $74,439; Greenfield, $224,610; Leverett, $68,437; Montague, $168,610; Sunderland, $129,805; and Whately, $164,310.
Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals. This sixth annual round of DOER Green Communities competitive grants is awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards. Grants are capped at $250,000 per municipality.
“The efforts of the 72 communities receiving over $14 million today are important as we work to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals set forth under the Global Warming Solutions Act,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “These grants represent another milestone for both the communities and the Commonwealth as we continue to work collaboratively to build a clean, resilient, and affordable energy future.”
The grants announced today fund a range projects from ventilation system upgrades and high efficiency lighting to installation of insulation and energy management systems at municipal buildings and facilities. Also included are projects to install LED streetlights, oil-to-gas heating system conversions, electric vehicles, and electric vehicles charging stations.
“Massachusetts leads the nation in protecting our environment and working towards a clean and sustainable future by reducing our energy consumption and cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst. “Green Communities Competitive Grants help us achieve our energy goals and continue to lead the nation in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. These commitments amount to collective savings of 2,534,787 MMBtu, energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 20,000 homes, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 233,640 tons, equivalent to taking over 45,000 cars off the road.