SOUTHAMPTON — Southampton is one of 25 municipalities recently designated as a so-called “green community” by the state Department of Energy Resources.
As part of the designation, the town was awarded a grant of $138,595. Select Board Chairman Charlie Kaniecki said the money will not become available until July and the town must submit a project application on how the funds will be spent.
“We have a whole shopping list,” Kaniecki said, adding that the town will most likely start with work on the William E. Norris School because it uses the most energy in town.
Kaniecki said the town has been pursuing the green community designation for about two years. One change was made to the town bylaws to allow the installation of solar panels on residential properties, he said.
Since the Green Communities program began in 2010, the state has award over $65 million in grants to various cities and towns across Massachusetts, according to a statement from the department.
“The Green Communities Program helps the state achieve a renewable energy portfolio, while preserving taxpayer resources,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in the statement. “With over 68 percent of residents living in a green community, the program continues to be a successful model for state and local governments working together to achieve impactful progress and responsible savings.”