City of Springfield receives EPA grant to combat climate change

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Environmental Protection Agency selected the city of Springfield for an Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant for nearly $20 million.

“This is a great opportunity for the City of Springfield being one in the region to have the opportunity to use the resources of the federal government to advance climate resiliency in Springfield,” said Samantha Hamilton, with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. “It is a key element of us, we have a proven track record in the city for doing great work of adjusting resiliency hubs and also weatherization in our community.”

Some of the initiatives supported by this grant include:

• Planting of 1,500 trees throughout the city
• Restarting a city e-bikeshare program
• A community solar project
• completing home rehabilitation projects to remove pollution hazards

Congressman Richard Neal told 22News this EPA Community Change Program, which is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will help bring some change to the city and the rest of the country.

It allows these grants in this particular instance, about $2-billion across the country on a competitive basis for communities that are prepared to take advantage of this so homeowners, renters, and others including those dually elected. They can use these tax credits to improve all of our lives.

Congressman Richard Neal

City officials told 22News that they will continue to work together to improve the environment for Springfield residents.

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