Thaindian News

MELROSE, MASSACHUSETS (BNO NEWS) – Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick announced on Wednesday the award of over $13 million in federal stimulus funds for energy projects.

The investment in clean energy and energy efficiency projects, which will be reducing long-term energy costs, increase energy independence, and create jobs, will help 111 communities across Massachusetts.

$12.2 million will be granted in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to 97 cities and towns, while 35 communities - including some of the 97 receiving grants - will share $825,000 in technical consulting services to provide local officials with expertise necessary to undertake a variety of energy projects.

“From the solar panels that will be installed here in Melrose (Veterans Memorial Middle School) to renewable power and energy efficiency improvements at municipal buildings in other communities, these grants are funding job-creating investments that will result in permanent energy savings and smarter, more comfortable buildings in cities and towns all across Massachusetts,” said Governor Patrick.

An American Recovery and Reinvestment Act fund had been previously allocated to Massachusetts under the EECBG program in March. Massachusetts is among the first states to award EECBG stimulus funds for cities and towns with populations under 35,000.

“Saving energy means saving money. This investment will help Massachusetts communities join the effort to combat global climate change while creating clean energy jobs and putting people back to work now,” said Senator John Kerry.

DOER’s Green Communities Division selected the 97 grant recipients from a pool of 133 applicants, ranking proposals based on projected greenhouse gas reductions, projected job creation potential, ability to leverage private capital and expertise from other partners, and overall readiness.

Capped at $150,000 each, grants awarded today will help municipalities pay for shovel-ready projects at municipal buildings and schools.

DOER set aside an additional $825,000 in EECBG funds to provide technical consulting services valued up to $50,000 per community.

“These funds will do what the stimulus was designed to do; they will put people to work and provide long term benefits for many communities around the Commonwealth,” said Representative David P. Linsky, House Chair, Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight.

The complete list of communities and details on Governor Patrick’s announcement of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant awards can be found at the Governor’s official website.