Cambridge Awarded $108k for Renewable Energy Projects

January 7, 2010                                                                                                                                Kathleen M. Hornby

                                                                                                                                                             617-722-2810

 

 

Boston, MA - The members of the Cambridge House and Senate delegation announced that the City of Cambridge has been awarded $107.8 thousand by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust's Clean Energy Choice Program.

 

The Trust is providing Cambridge with:

 

·         A Clean Energy Choice grant of $57,786.08 for two renewable energy projects in the City

·         A  Solar Bonus grant of $50,000.00 to install two solar photovoltaic systems – one at the Frazier Administration Building and one at the Frisoli Youth Center

·         $38,286.08 to purchase eleven Big Belly Solar Trash Compaction Systems and;

·         $19,500.00 for a feasibility study of solar photovoltaic installations at the Water J. Sullivan Water Purification Plant and the Payson Park Reservoir. 

 

“With these funds the citizens of Cambridge will be able to continue their commitment to renewable energy resources for the benefit of future generations of Cantabrigians” said Representative Alice K. Wolf.

 

“A large portion of these grants comes as a direct result of the voluntary contributions from Cambridge residents,” said Representative Toomey. “These grants help our City take its commitment to the environment as seriously as our residents do.”

 

From October 2004 through June 2009, the Clean Energy Choice program provided matching grants in proportion to voluntary contributions for renewable energy made by Cambridge residents. 

 

Senator Anthony Petruccelli stated, “We’re thrilled that Cambridge was chosen by MRET to receive these renewable energy grants. We appreciate the Trust’s commitment to assist our cities and towns in expanding clean and renewable energy projects, in an effort to collaboratively streamline our energy uses.”  

 

And Representative Marty Walz added, “I commend the City of Cambridge’s commitment to renewable energy.  Cambridge continues to be a model for other cities and towns interested in creating more sustainable communities.”

 

The funding comes as a result of efforts by citizens of Cambridge to purchase clean energy through their electric utility bills, which generated matching funds from the Trust for use toward clean energy projects.

 

Representative Jonathan Hecht added, “I am thrilled to see Cambridge continue to develop its clean energy resources.  Hopefully the success of grants like this will lead to further efforts by the state to harness solar power and other forms of alternative energy throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

Dozens of other communities are also using this matching funding for projects such as solar electric arrays, solar trash compactors, renewable energy educational materials, and other renewable energy projects and related materials. “These communities are green leaders; it’s wonderful that they are implementing clean energy projects that their residents, businesses, and public officials can see in practice,” said Trust Executive Director Carter Wall.

 

Learn more about clean energy assistance available for Massachusetts towns and cities by visiting DOER’s Green Communities website: www.mass.gov/doer.

 

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