Wayland energy committee urges ARPA funds for climate projects

WAYLAND -- November 9, 2022, Wayland's Energy and Climate Committee unanimously asked the Select Board to spend ARPA funds on three climate projects. The motion, offered by Chair Ellen R. Tohn and seconded by John Harper, urges allocations from the town's roughly $2.7 million in unspent American Rescue Plan Act money toward EV charging at Loker School during this summer's solar and roof project, a one-year resident engagement program on home decarbonization, and a study of flooding tied to the railroad causeway now being converted to a rail trail. Member Tom Sciacca argued the causeway work is critical because "the climate change issue we have in Wayland is flooding." Separately, consultant Paul Gromer of Peregrine Energy said Wayland's Community Choice Aggregation plan goes to the state Department of Public Utilities by month's end, with public comment closing Nov. 17. Tohn said the town has selected a top candidate for sustainability manager, with an offer extended Wednesday.