Wenham Awarded $249k in Grants

Over $9 million was granted Tuesday to nearly 50 municipalities across Massachusetts to fund clean energy projects, including nearly a $249,950 to Wenham.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton awarded the grants through the Department of Energy Resources.

Wenham received $249,950; Grants are capped at $250,000 per municipality.
“Cities and towns are on the forefront of clean energy adaptation across the Commonwealth and are vital partners in meeting Massachusetts’ ambitious energy goals and emissions commitments,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a statement. “These grants will allow the Green Communities to build upon the impressive efforts undertaken to earn their distinguished designation.”

Under the Green Communities Act, municipalities must meet the following five criteria to be eligible for funding, according to mass.gov:

• "Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research & development, or manufacturing facilities.
• Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities.
• Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent (20%) within five (5) years.
• Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Set requirements to minimize life-cycle energy costs for new construction; one way to meet these requirements is to adopt the new Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) Stretch Code."

This round of grants were awarded to "existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards."