Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Montague and Pittsfield also got grants.
Children play on an exhibit at the Holyoke Children's Museum in 2010.HOLYOKE – The state has given the city a grant of $171,800 to make improvements to the heating and air conditioning systems at the Holyoke Children’s Museum, officials said.
The money was part of $2.8 million in grants to fund 55 “clean energy projects” in 19 communities statewide, a press release from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said Thursday.
Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Montague and Pittsfield also got grants.
Mayor Alex B. Morse said the grant reaffirms the city’s committment to steps that are “green,” or environmentally friendly.
“We have more work to do, but this grant will allow us to continue investing in environmental efficiencies and promoting green, sustainable development. I thank the state for recognizing our city’s progress on this important issue,” Morse said.
The museum at 444 Dwight St., overlooking Holyoke Heritage State Park, was built in 1980.
Museum Executive Director Susan Kelley said the grant will pay for energy system improvements.
“It couldn’t be better,” Kelly said.
She praised the efforts in getting upgrades of William D. Fuqua, general superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Morse and former Mayor Elaine A. Pluta.
The museum is on a roll, Kelley said, after being voted “best place to bring your kids” in the recent Reader Raves poll conducted by The Republican and Masslive.com
The grants are funded through proceeds that retail electricity suppliers pay under the Renewable and Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard programs, the state press release said.
“The cities and towns receiving these awards have already shown outstanding clean energy leadership ...,” said Mark Sylvia, commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources, in the press release.
Springfield received $161,582 consisting of more than $100,000 for energy management system, boilers and water tank improvements at libraries and $61,337 for an energy management system at Balliet Middle School.
Northampton got $98,000: $61,000 for insulation and air sealing at the Academy of Music and $37,000 for insulation and air sealing at Memorial Hall.
Greenfield got $40,000 for an energy efficiency program for low-to-moderate-income residents.
Montague got $72,062 for improvements to the water pollution control facility.
Pittsfield gor $92,787 for gas conversion at the Lichtenstein Art Center.