Last week the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources gave Westford $250,000 for several clean energy projects.
LED lighting retrofits will be placed at four facilities across town and the money will help pay for more energy efficient food equipment and upgrades of energy management systems at a pair of town-owned facilities.
The grant comes from Westford’s participation in the Green Communities program, a statewide project of the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs that offers funding for green initiatives pursued by 155 local municipalities across the Commonwealth.
Westford was one of 47 Green Communities to receive funding in this latest round of grants, which totaled $9,580,467.
“The 47 communities receiving over $9.5 million today should be commended for their leadership in embracing clean energy goals at the local level,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to working with our municipal partners across Massachusetts to meet our shared goals of lower energy consumption and reduced emissions.”
Among Westford’s immediate neighbors, grants were also received by Carlisle ($202,381), Chelmsford ($247,915) and Tyngsborough ($250,000).
The grants are funded through proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions and Alternative Compliance Payments under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding, which Westford achieved in 2013.
In 2015, the town received $235,000 in grants under the program.
