BERNARDSTON — The town officially received $131,290 in state funds to improve its buildings’ energy efficiency.
The money is coming from the Green Community Program, a state program that focuses on cleaner energy and reducing energy costs. The overall goal is to improve Bernardston’s energy efficiency by 20 percent within five years, and all funds must go toward improving energy efficiency within the town.
“The great part about the Green Community Program is that towns can have these changes done absolutely free,” Stephanie Ciccarello, Bernardston Green Committee chairwoman, said.
Ciccarello said that the money received will allow the town to focus on other areas of need, while also improving the town’s buildings and helping to lower its impact on the environment.
The timing of this state funding may not be coming at a better time, either.
According to Selectman Robert Raymond, the Town Hall furnace stopped working Friday. The furnace was one of the repairs listed for the federal funding.
The repair is expected to cost about $32,000.
Also, the DEP recently cited that Bernardston may need to replace water wells for improper testing abilities, resulting in another $25,000 estimated in cost. However, that money cannot come from the funds received from the Green Community Program.
In addition to the Town Hall furnace being replaced, the five-year plan calls for replacing lighting fixtures in several town buildings with more efficient versions, improved temperature controls in buildings, as well as improved fuel efficiency on town vehicles.
Ciccarello estimated that all work should be done within a year to a year and a half, and that the planning of the repairs will be discussed in a public meeting at the town library Wednesday at 6 p.m.