Saugus received a $200,000 grant through the state’s Green Communities program, the largest possible award and the fifth time the town has received funding since it was designated a Green Community in 2015.
The grant will be used for several sustainability-related town projects, including improving energy-conservation measures in municipal facilities like the Senior Center and the Department of Public Works building, the town’s legislative delegation, state Sen. Brendan Crighton and Reps. Jessica Giannino and Donald Wong said in a statement.
Specifically, the money will be used for an air-source heat pump at the DPW building, a heat-pump rooftop unit at the Senior Center, and weatherization door sealing at both buildings. An additional $10,000 will go toward administrative assistance.
“This funding will allow Saugus to implement crucial upgrades that will benefit the community and the environment,” Crighton said in the statement. “These efforts will help advance Saugus’ efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.”
Giannino said investments in improving energy conservation in municipal facilities will pay dividends for communities in the future.
“The funding to secure these improvements will ensure that our community has clean and efficient energy sources in these spaces and will save tax dollars in the long run,” she said.
Wong thanked the state Department of Energy Resources for enabling Saugus to “continue its commitment to a green and sustainable future.”
In a separate statement, Town Manager Scott Crabtree said the grant funds serve the dual purpose of benefitting the environment and the town’s taxpayers, saving them money on utility costs.
“Saugus is committed to sustainability, and our commitment is clearly recognized by the Commonwealth,” Crabtree said in the statement.
Members of the town’s Board of Selectmen lauded Crabtree’s office for continuously seeking grant opportunities to reduce the burden on Saugus residents.
The board’s chair, Debra Panetta, said the grant is a “win-win.”
“We will be saving taxpayer money while also reducing our carbon footprint and being environmentally focused,” she said. “This funding will support… needed green upgrades in our town.”
Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeff Cicolini said the town’s continued pursuit of alternative funding sources helps it remain “attractive and desirable” to current and future residents.
“These 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,” he said, noting that the town is able to do so without increasing the tax burden on residents.
Selectman Corinne Riley said any green initiative in town that helps reduce Saugus’ environmental footprint will save both energy and money. Riley also thanked Crighton, Giannino, Wong, Crabtree, and the DOER for securing the grant.
