ICYMI: Legislators Announce Funding Boost For Westborough’s Recycling Efforts

WESTBOROUGH, MA—In its continued effort to move green, Westborough nabbed a major grant to help maximize the town's recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.

State Senator Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, State Representative Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough, State Representative Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, and State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) on Wednesday announced that the Westborough has been awarded a $1,250 Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) grant. The SMRP was created under the Green Communities Act and is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

“I’m proud to represent communities that are dedicated to reversing the destructive effects of climate change,” said Senator Eldridge in a statement. “I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration for awarding this important environmental protection grant to Westborough, which will boost our recycling and waste reduction efforts.”

“I am thrilled that the Commonwealth has awarded Westborough these crucial funds to assist in recycling, waste reduction and the further protection of our environment,” said Representative Gregoire in a statement. “This funding will provide us with the tools necessary to maintain a safe and clean community.”

“Clean air and water are essential community resources that we cannot take for granted,” said Representative Dykema in a statement. “Reducing our waste through cooperative efforts on the state and local levels will have impacts for generations to come.”

“I am very pleased that Westborough has been awarded this grant from the Department of Environmental Protection, and I am confident that these funds will allow Westborough to continue its commitment to environmentally sound policies,” stated Representative Kane in a statement.

During the first round of 2017 SMRP funding, 185 communities qualified for the “Recycling Dividends Program” (RDP) and will receive payments ranging from $2,100 to $84,500, for a total of $2.25 million statewide.

As part of the SMRP, an additional 53 municipalities and regional entities that did not apply for or qualify for an RDP grant will be awarded a total of $53,750 for a “Small-Scale Initiatives Grant.”

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