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Town of Saugus Awarded a Green Communities Grant from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

Posted on: January 30, 2024 - 5:17pm

Town of Saugus Awarded a Green Communities Grant from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

(Saugus, MA) January 30, 2024 - Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree today announced the Town of Saugus has been awarded $200,000 in Green Communities Competitive Grant Funding through the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to fund several sustainability-related projects within the community.

“This is the fifth time the Town of Saugus has received funding through the Green Communities initiative to fund sustainability-related projects,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “These are competitive grants that fund projects that are beneficial for both the environment and for Saugus taxpayers, saving money on utility costs.”

The Town was awarded a grant of $135,565 in 2019, $250,000 in 2018, $242,903 in 2017, and $208,335 when Saugus was first designated as a Green Community in 2015.

“Saugus is committed to sustainability and our commitment is clearly recognized by the Commonwealth,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “I would like to thank the Healy/Driscoll Administration, Secretary of EOEEA Rebecca Tepper, Director of the Green Communities Division, Joanne Bissetta. the Legislature, and the Town’s state delegation for their continued support of these important initiatives.”

“I am delighted to hear that Saugus received this $200,000 Green Communities Grant from the Department of Energy Resources,” said Chair of the Saugus Board of Selectmen Debra Panetta.  “This funding will support the needed green upgrades in our town, which includes our DPW and our Senior Center.  This is a win-win for Saugus, where we will be saving taxpayer money while also reducing our carbon footprint and being environmentally focused.  I would like to thank our Town Manager for always looking for grant opportunities for our community.”

“I am excited to hear the news of the most recent grant award that the Town received, said Jeffrey Cicolini, Vice Chair of the Saugus Board of Selectmen.  “I must applaud the Town Manager and his team for their ongoing efforts and successes in applying for and receiving this as well as the many other grants for Saugus. We have been the recipient of millions of dollars in grants for our community. Not only do these green grants allow us to ensure we are putting our best foot forward in reducing our carbon footprint and we are doing our part with energy conservation and reducing our reliance on natural resources, we do it without increasing the tax burden on our residents,” stated Cicolini. “This grant as well as the many other grants the town has received in addition to the green community grants demonstrates the persistence and commitment that our administration has to explore all funding sources that are available to us. These successes allow us to invest in our community and make certain our Town remains attractive and desirable to our current and future residents while avoiding the need for any additional tax burden on our community.” 

Projects that will be funded through this grant include:

  • $79,942, DPW — Air source heat pump
  • $12,452, DPW — Weatherization door sealing
  • $65,440, Senior Center — Heat pump RTU
  • $32,166, Senior Center — Weatherization door sealing
  • $10,000, Town — Administrative assistance

Projects funded through prior grants have included:                                                                 

  • The conversion from incandescent and fluorescent bulbs to LED in several town buildings, including Town Hall and the Senior Center, the exterior of the Public Safety Building, and at the DPW, reducing electrical costs by more than $30,000 annually;
  • Roof replacement and a new roof unit on the Public Safety Building, ensuring proper functioning, improved interior air quality and uniform temperatures within the building;
  • The replacement of pumps, drives, and motors on the heating system in Town Hall, which included high-efficiency motors, reducing wear-and-tear and energy use costs; and,
  • The replacement of the hot water boiler at Town Hall to reduce energy consumption and costs.

Background from Department of Energy Resources:

“The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.”