Swampscott Lands $247,000 Grant For Clean Energy

Swampscott is mighty green.

It was one of only 20 communities statewide to receive state clean energy grants.

The amount it got, $247,178, was just under the cap of $250,000 and exceeded the clean-energy grants that went to bigger places such as Boston, Salem and Cambridge, said Swampscott Town Administrator Tom Younger.

The funds will be used in Swampscott on energy projects at schools, the fire station and the library.

Younger and selectmen tipped their cap Monday to the town's Renewable Energy Committee and Town Planner Pete Kane for their work on clean energy and their application for the DOER Green Communities Competitive Grants.

The grants are awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants, said state Rep. Lori Ehrlich. 

“The projects that this grant will fund are essential for both state and town clean energy goals,” said Rep. Ehrlich. “Swampscott has shown extraordinary initiative undertaking the goals set for Green Communities and it has been a pleasure to share in these efforts. These projects will help save precious local energy dollars and help be a model for other communities.”

A total of $3.7 million in clean grants were awarded in the state, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan and Department of EnergyResources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia

Secretary Sullivan said the clean energy movement in Massachusetts is being fueled by "bold steps and smart decisions made at the local level."

The grants, totaling $3,715,756, are funded through proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions (RGGI). The goal of the Green Communities Competitive Grant program is to supportenergy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the clean energy goals of previously designated Green Communities. The projects range from upgrades to ventilation systems and lighting to installation of insulation and energy management systems at municipal buildings and facilities.

Swampscott – $247,178 

Projects to be funded

·         $9,135             Clarke Elementary School – steam trap replacement

·         $37,073           Clarke Elementary School – building envelope/attic insulation

·         $5,221             Stanley Elementary School – building envelope/weatherization

·         $51,674           Middle School – building envelope/weatherization

·         $15,826           High School – building envelope/weatherization

·         $19,800           Fire Station – building envelope/attic insulation

·         $108,449         Public Library – HVAC equipment replacement

Swampscott Renewable Energy Committee: Derek Barnwell, Thomas Dreeben, Chairman Neal Duffy, Milton Fistel, Victoria Masone, Hal Schwartz and Vice Chairman Wayne Spritz.