Massachusetts Towns Get Grants For Energy Conservation

Projects to reduce municipal energy use in Belchertown and build a system at a Deerfield farm to turn food waste into energy and fertilizer are receiving portions of $16 million in low-interest, federally subsidized financing.

The administration of Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov Tim Murray announced funding Thursday that will support renewable energy and efficiency projects in eight communities.

"I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition," Patrick said in a statement. "Investments like these will reduce long-term energy costs and stimulate our economy with homegrown, clean-energy jobs."

In Belchertown, the $3.15 million award will support an energy savings performance contract that will allow the town to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent in its municipal and school buildings.

Town Meeting in May unanimously agreed to have officials contract with Siemens Building Technologies to implement a program that will save the town an estimated $6.5 million in energy costs over 20 years.