By Ross Marrinson
rmarrinson@hgazette.com
—
The city will receive $107,170 to replace inefficient heating systems in public housing.
It is part of $1.7 million in assistance for 13 public housing authorities across the state.
"Today's awards will not only help keep our environment clean," Gov. Deval Patrick said. "But these heating system upgrades will boost business, put people to work and improve conditions for families living in state public housing."
The money coming to the Haverhill Housing Authority will be used to replace two boilers at the Summer and Mount Vernon streets public housing complex, according to Director Dennis Soraghan.
"That's the building we've targeted as our biggest priority," Soraghan said. "It's the most in need of repair."
The building's boilers are more than 25 years old, and are set to be replaced with two energy-efficient boilers with modern technology. The residents of the complex have voiced concerns about inconsistent heating over the colder months, and Soraghan says that the new technology should quiet those concerns.
"With energy efficiency comes mechanical efficiency," Soraghan said, adding that the new boilers will be a long-term cost savings and will maintain environmental standards.
The money is meant to be spent on any number of weatherization improvements, including storm or replacement windows, repairing or replacing expired heating systems, wall and floor insulation, air sealing and weather stripping.
Mayor James Fiorentini sees this project as just a piece of the puzzle in his effort to make the city more economically and environmentally viable in the future.
"I'm absolutely thrilled," he said. "It helps keep the city cleaner and greener. It's all part of our process to make the city more energy efficient."
The investment in and installation of energy-efficient heating systems will pay dividends in the long term, said Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.
Soraghan said the assistance is a win-win-win situation.
"It's tremendous for (the residents)," Soragan said, explaining that those living at the Summer and Mount Vernon streets complex will have consistent heat over the winter months. "It's tremendous for us because of the cost savings, and it's tremendous for the environment."
"(This) means lower heating bills for years to come," said U.S. Sen. John Kerry. "It will ensure that thousands of Massachusetts families won't be forced to choose between paying their heating bills and putting food on their tables."
The money came to Massachusetts through a federal grant.
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