New Bedford Gets ‘Green Community’ Recognition Wednesday

New Bedford will be one of the six communities in Southeastern Massachusetts to receive the “Green Community” designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) at Wednesday’s regional designation event in Brockton.

In February, DOER announced New Bedford’s admission into the program, highlighting the City’s efforts to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. Through the program, New Bedford will receive a $604,305 grant this year to complete “green” projects throughout the City, and is now eligible for future grants as well.

“It is fitting that New Bedford will be celebrated for our commitment to clean and efficient energy tomorrow, as the offshore wind industry begins to blossom in our City,” said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral, (D – New Bedford). “We’ve all worked incredibly hard to be a part of the state-wide effort to decrease our emissions and it’s positive that we, as a City, are now being recognized as an important contributor.”

Rep. Cabral supported the Green Communities Act of 2008, legislation that established the grant program for qualifying municipalities. Other cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts receiving the designation are Brockton, Dartmouth, Dover, Marshfield, and Medfield.

“I look forward to working on projects that come as a direct result of this state grant,” Rep. Cabral stated. “New Bedford will certainly not squander this opportunity to remain a leader in energy and efficiency.”

The Southeast Region Green Communities Designation event will take place tomorrow in Brockton at the Brockton City Hall at 3:30 PM.

--Rep. Cabral's Office