Really in the Green: State Awards Winthrop $170k for Clean Energy Projects

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan presented the town of Winthrop with a $169,625 Green Communities grant to fund municipal clean energy projects last week..

“Winthrop is now one of the 110 Green Communities across the Commonwealth making smart investments in clean energy,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Community by community, we are protecting our environment, reducing municipal costs and making Massachusetts a clean energy leader.”

“Winthrop is now among the leaders taking charge of its clean energy future,” said Secretary Sullivan, whose office includes the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). “The Patrick-Murray Administration continues to support towns that are cutting energy use, creating jobs and protecting the environment. Their efforts are critical to the Commonwealth’s clean energy revolution.”

Winthrop received a certificate from the Commonwealth and four road signs identifying it as a Green Community. DOER’s Green Communities Division designated the town as an official Green Community in December, recognizing its achievements in meeting five clean energy benchmarks.

“Massachusetts’ clean energy revolution continues its momentum in large part because of leadership at the local level,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “It’s always a good day when we recognize the efforts cities and towns are making to save money and energy for their residents and businesses while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”

The grant is part of a package of more than $1 million in funding awarded to the state’s seven newest Green Communities. In addition to Winthrop awarded today, the towns of Westwood, Wendell, Westminster, Whately, and Rockland were previously awarded. Petersham will receive an award later this month.

Once designated by DOER as official Green Communities, cities and towns are eligible for awards to fund local renewable power and energy efficiency projects that advance both municipal and state clean energy goals. Grants awarded so far assist an array of projects across the state, including the installation of solar panels on town office buildings, weatherization at schools and municipal buildings, installation of high-efficiency street lights, and a host of energy efficiency upgrades. Including this sixth round of designation grants and a round of competitive grants last spring for previously-designated Green Communities, the Patrick-Murray Administration has awarded approximately $24 million in grants to the Commonwealth’s 110 Green Communities. DOER will be reviewing applications for the second round of Green