Adams, Dalton and Sandisfield Awarded Green Communities Grants

11:14AM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced more than $8 million to cities and towns across Massachusetts to fund energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

The Department of Energy Resources selected 57 municipalities to receive Green Communities Competitive Grants.

In Berkshire County:

Adams was awarded $33,573 to fund energy conservation measures, weatherization and related administrative assistance for the police station.
Dalton was awarded $124,397 to fund energy conservation measures, heat pump and attic insulation at the Senior Center.
Sandisfield was awarded $54,150 to fund energy conservation measures, heat pump and LED lighting at Fire Station 2.

With the announcement, DOER will have awarded more than $208 million to Green Communities in Designation and Competitive Grants since 2010. These funds have helped reduce municipal energy costs by over $30 million annually and have reduced pollution.

"Our administration is committed to helping cities and towns lower energy costs and make public buildings more efficient," said Governor Maura Healey. "These investments will reduce energy use, save money and help communities make the most of every taxpayer dollar."

The projects are expected to save about $701,411 each year in energy costs and leverage $3.2 million in utility incentives. Annual energy savings of 28,141 MMBtus is equivalent to the energy use of 320 Massachusetts households. These projects also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,634 metric tons annually, which is roughly equivalent to 3,783 barrels of oil consumed.

Eligible projects include installing high-efficiency lighting and building weatherization, upgrading to energy management systems, insulating pipes and attic spaces, and transitioning HVAC systems away from fossil fuels by installing air- or ground-source heat pumps.

Under the Green Communities Act, DOER's Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can make available up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns.

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After More Than a Century, Heating Failure Puts Adams Turners' Future at Risk

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:20AM / Sunday, September 27, 2026

ADAMS, Mass. — For more than a century, generations have gathered for dances, community gatherings and bowling at Turn Hall, but that longtime tradition is now in jeopardy after the building's aging heating system failed.

The Adams community is known for rallying behind local people and organizations in times of need, and now Adams Turners is asking for that same support said Gail Burda, the group's financial secretary.

The boiler, referred to as "the Beast" by board members, is as old as the building itself, which was constructed in 1902. It started out burning coal, was later switched to oil and then to gas President Virginia Fuller said.

For several years, the nonprofit social club, a 501(c)7, has struggled with the aging system, with members periodically checking on it throughout the day during the winter to ensure it was still operating, she said.

Now, "the Beast" has reached the end of its life but the Adams Turners don't have the funding to replace it, prompting them to establish a GoFundMe.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $1,750 and members have donated more than $2,500 toward the $30,000 needed to secure an additional $25,000 grant and $25,000 loan from American Turners, the national organization under which the club operates.

The nonprofit hopes to hire a contractor to install a multi-zone hydronic system, a project estimated to cost $81,443. The work would include new heating systems for the apartment, bar area, gym and bowling alley, along with new baseboards, gas lines, permits and other necessary fittings.

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