Barnes and Joint Base Cape Cod to Receive More Than $2 Million for Clean Energy

August 20, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Susan Kaplan, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, 617-626-7361
susan.kaplan@state.ma.us

Lt. Col James Sahady, Massachusetts National Guard, 508-951-1945
james.j.sahady.mil@mail.mil

Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com

The Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force announced today that two military installations will receive $2.125 million for clean-energy projects from the fiscal year 2015 Capital Investment Plan. Each installation will leverage the funds to advance clean energy and sustainable growth, lower utility costs, promote energy security, and enhance military value. 

• Barnes Air National Guard Base will receive $960,000 to reduce greenhouse gases via a comprehensive package of high-efficiency natural gas boiler upgrades, lighting and lighting control retrofits, infrared heat pipe installation, on-demand hot water heaters, and building envelope improvements. 
• Joint Base Cape Cod will receive $1.75 million to advance the installation’s energy initiatives.
  • The Otis Air National Guard Base’s 102nd Intelligence Wing will receive $1.1 million to install high-efficiency natural gas boilers and upgrade the central energy management system. Using a single, unified building automation system and enhancing control capabilities will result in substantial energy savings.
  • Camp Edwards will receive $65,000 to replace outdated natural gas boilers and domestic hot water heaters with high-efficiency models.

“These two awards highlight a successful collaboration among MassDevelopment, the Department of Energy Resources, and Massachusetts military installations to reduce base operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing energy security, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy,” said Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Judith Judson.

This fund allocation is the first from the Commonwealth’s $5.9 million grant program to support the Clean Energy Assessment & Strategic Plan for Massachusetts Military Installations. The plan, funded by DOER, identified energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy security, and technology piloting opportunities to reduce base operating costs, increase energy security, and reduce emissions.

“We commend the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force’s clean energy initiatives and strategic plan for our six very productive Massachusetts military installations.  The Mass. Task Force and our installations add great value to our local community and our innovative economy, as well as all those serving honorable in the Massachusetts National Guard and our U.S. military,” said Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, The Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “As our military evolves, future clean and efficient use of energy will ensure we are more protective of our environment, while continuing to be competitive in today's market. Combined with Gov. Baker's and Lt. Gov. Polito's collaborative leadership, the Commonwealth's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force innovative strategic plan is building valuable partnerships across the country ensuring a strong and long future for our six military bases.”

“Our environmental impact within the Westfield community has always been a priority.  The funds allocated to Barnes will allow the Wing to leave a much smaller carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and save tax-payer dollars,” said Col. James Keefe, 104th Fighter Wing Commander.

“The $1.1M gifted to the 102nd Intelligence Wing to install high efficiency natural gas boilers and upgrade the central energy management system will greatly assist in reducing our federal tax-payer utilities burden,” said Col. James LeFavor, 102nd Intelligence Wing Commander. “Procuring a single, unified building automation system and enhancing control capabilities will provide innovative clean energy solutions that will benefit not only the Air National Guard, but the U.S. Air Force, and for that we are very grateful to the Commonwealth.”

"The Massachusetts Clean Energy Assessment project will allow for continued growth and support for Camp Edwards and our sister tenants,” said Col. William O’Brien Jr., Army National Guard Site, Camp Edwards, Commander. “This will strengthen Massachusetts as a national leader facilitating clean and renewable energy that will enhance the overall operations at Joint Base Cape Cod.”

“The Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force identified actionable recommendations to advance energy initiatives at the Commonwealth’s military installations,” said Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force Executive Director Christopher Willenborg. “These funds will allow the installations to make meaningful improvements benefiting both our environment and life on the bases.”

Created in 2012, the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force spearheads one of the nation’s most comprehensive efforts to support a state’s military installations and their host communities, advancing initiatives in workforce training, transportation, veterans’ services, energy, and housing in partnership with municipalities, industry, and academia.  The six military installations in Massachusetts include Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield; Fort Devens; Hanscom Air Force Base; Joint Base Cape Cod; Natick Soldier Systems Center; and Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.  These installations account for a total economic impact of $14.2 billion and more than 46,500 Massachusetts jobs.  

Governor Baker, U.S. Senator Warren, U.S. Senator Markey, and U.S. Representative Tsongas co-chair the Task Force.  As a member of the Task Force, MassDevelopment will work with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the parent agency of the Guard forces, to disperse the funds to the two installations.