BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)-- Dozens of municipalities statewide have received grants to support green initiatives, including six in western Massachusetts. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) awarded the Green Communities competitive grants to be used for projects that will reduce energy use in m unicipal operations such as installing high-efficiency lighting, building weatherization, upgrading energy management systems, facility retro-commissioning, and transitioning HVAC systems away from fossil fuels by installing air- or ground-source heat pumps. US Department of Agriculture slashes two federal programs that fund local food banks, schools “Cities and towns are slashing their energy bills and leading the fight against climate change. We’re proud to invest in their leadership,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Local clean energy projects will make us less reliant on expensive fossil fuels and help lower our overall energy demand, cutting costs for all ratepayers.” “Massachusetts’ Green Communities continue to reduce energy use, emissions, and utility costs by deploying energy efficiency and renewable energy projects,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “From weatherization to control systems to heat pumps and solar panels and more, these 42 grant awards support the cities and towns themselves and provide cleaner air and lower costs for their residents and businesses.” Among the 42 cities and towns to receive the funds are the following from western Massachusetts: Becket- $139,500 to fund energy conservation measures and a small wind turbine at the elementary school. Clarksburg- $22,857 to fund energy conservation measures, a heat pump water heater and administrative assistance at the elementary school. Northampton- $494,613.12 to fund energy conservation measures, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), ERV controls and a heat pump system at Leeds Elementary School. Shutesbury- $44,748 to fund energy conservation measures and LED lighting at the Elementary School. Warwick- $143,930 to fund energy conservation measures, heat pump system, heat pump water heater, LED lighting, infrared heater, and administrative assistance in municipal facilities including Community School and Library. Westhampton- $90,326 to fund energy conservation measures and weatherization at the Elementary School. Additional information on awarded projects and funding amounts can be found on DOER's website. Local News Headlines Yeshiva Academy celebrates Purim with music and fun Springfield crews put out brush fire on Anglesea Street Illegal burning sparks brush fire, damages Agawam home CitySpace offers free venue, stipend for western Mass performers WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less