Baker-Polito Administration Announces Upgrades to Recreational Facilities Throughout Commonwealth

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Upgrades to Recreational Facilities Throughout Commonwealth
Investments made to provide increased access in time for summer recreational season

 
BOSTON – July 28, 2016 – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that it has made critical investments to outdoor athletic facilities at many of the state’s campgrounds, and within urban communities and Gateway Cities. To date, the Administration has allocated $860,000 for the restoration of basketball, street hockey, and tennis courts, as well as the resurfacing of walkways and driveways in several of the state’s most heavily trafficked campgrounds.

“With students enjoying summer vacation, it is important that kids have access to quality outdoor athletic facilities to stay active, healthy, and safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “From pickup games to sports leagues, our residents are drawn to the Commonwealth’s vast recreational resources and the thousands of acres of protected public land, and it is our responsibility to ensure those lands remain protected and our parks available for years to come.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates a proactive, forward-thinking approach to providing cities and towns across the Commonwealth with the necessary recreational resources for children, families, friends and neighbors to congregate and enjoy the beautiful weather together,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

The recently made improvements coincide with the Baker-Polito Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring positive recreational opportunities for children and their families during the summer months. Last week, Governor Charlie Baker announced the extension of operating hours at select urban pools and athletic complexes throughout the state as part of the Administration’s “Summer Nights Program,” which provides children and their families with special programming during the week to visit local state parks beyond normal operating hours.

“Summertime offers residents a great opportunity to visit the states vast array of outdoor recreational resources, and these athletic facility improvements build on the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to the public to increase access for us all,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “It is important children are provided with increased access to state managed athletic facilities to incorporate an active, healthy lifestyle that will be benefit them for the rest of their lives.”

“The investments made by the Baker-Polito Administration to state managed outdoor athletic and recreational facilities serves as an excellent example of the dedication the Administration has to ensuring there are places for today’s youth and their families to enjoy,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy.

Communities that have recently received outdoor recreational facility improvements made by the Baker-Polito Administration include:

• Riverfront Park in Lawrence (resurfaced basketball, street hockey, and tennis courts; installation of new backboards and net; and the repaving of parking lots and walkways);

• Ryan Tennis Courts in South Boston (installation of new tennis posts and nets);

• Tenean Beach in Dorchester (installation of new tennis posts and nets);
• Ventura Playground in Dorchester (installation of a basketball half-court; and the rehabilitation of walkways);

• McMorrow Courts in Dorchester (resurfaced basketball court; installation of new backboards and rims; walls painted; and fencing replaced);

• Myles Standish State Forest in Carver (construction of a new basketball half-court at the campground; and the repaving of driveways and roads);
   
• Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest in Goshen (construction of a new basketball half-court at the campground); and,
   
• Otter River State Forest in Baldwinville (construction of a new basketball half-court).

“The upgrades to the basketball half court and campground driveways and roads at Myles Standish are a wonderful 100th birthday gift from the Baker-Polito Administration,” said State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham), who participated  in the celebration on July 16th. “I share the commitment to preserving and increasing access for all to one of our greatest resources, our state forests.”

“Increasing access to recreational activities is important to bringing up a healthier generation of children,”said State Representative Matthew Muratore (R-Plymouth). “The investments the Administration is making will go a long way in making improvements to our public spaces for children and families throughout the Commonwealth.”

“These state funds that have been used to improve and maintain existing recreational and parking facilities at Riverfront Park in Lawrence are a great investment by the state,” said State Senator Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover), who represents Lawrence in addition to Andover, Tewksbury and Dracut.  “Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, this is a heavily used park that provides many options for both passive and strenuous recreational activities for children, teens and adults, including street hockey, basketball and tennis, in addition to wooded walking paths that provide a scenic escape for residents.”

Governor Baker Nominates Four to Massachusetts Appeals Court

Governor Baker Nominates Four to Massachusetts Appeals Court

Candidates bring diverse backgrounds to the Commonwealth’s intermediate appellate court

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has nominated the Honorable Superior Court Justices Kenneth V. Desmond and James R. Lemire, State Solicitor Peter Sacks, and Assistant Attorney General Sookyoung Shin to the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

“I am proud to nominate such an accomplished and diverse group to the Appeals Court," said Governor Charlie Baker. "The combined trial, appellate and administrative law experience of this group will be a tremendous addition to the court and our judicial system. I thank the Judicial Nominating Commission for their hard work in presenting these outstanding candidates and look forward to the Governor’s Council’s thoughtful consideration of their nominations."

“I am confident that if confirmed, these nominees will maintain the high level of legal talent at the Appeals Court,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “With two Superior Court Justices and two seasoned appellate lawyers, this slate brings a wide range of experience that will allow the Court to issue thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions in an efficient manner across the broad range of legal issues that are heard by the Appeals Court.”

The Appeals Court is the intermediate appellate court to which most appeals from the Massachusetts Trial Courts and a number of administrative bodies are made.  The Court has 1 Chief and 24 Associate Justices. Last year, Governor Baker nominated the Honorable Scott L. Kafker to serve as Chief Justice of the Appeals Court.  Governor Baker nominated three additional associate justices to the Appeals Court in October of 2015.

“The Governor has nominated a first-rate slate of talented trial judges and appellate advocates for the Appeals Court,” said Appeals Court Chief Justice Scott Kafker. “They would bring to our court a wealth of civil and criminal, and trial and appellate experience, and enhance our diversity.”

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About the Honorable Kenneth V. Desmond:

A graduate of Tufts University and Boston College Law School, Judge Kenneth V. Desmond Jr. began his career as an Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County, where he served from 1990-1997. From 1997-2005, he served as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for the Sheriff of Middlesex County. In 2005 he was appointed Associate Justice to the Boston Municipal Court, and was presiding justice of the Dorchester Drug Court from 2007-2012. In 2012, Desmond joined the Massachusetts Superior Court. He served as a member of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Committee to Study the Code of Judicial Conduct, and is presently a member of Trial Courts Judicial Performance Committee, Chair of the Trial Courts Departmental Race and Implicit Bias Advisory Committee and  Vice-Chair of the Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Board on Probation. Desmond previously served on the Board of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association and is a Vice- President of the Massachusetts Black Judges Conference.

About the Honorable James R. Lemire:

After graduating from Assumption College in Worcester with a BA in Political Science in 1975 and from New England Law in 1978, Judge James Lemire’s 40-year law career began in the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, where he remained until 1989, serving as Chief of the Sexual Assault Unit, then Chief of the Drug Unit. For the next twelve years he worked Criminal and Civil Litigation while working at a private law practice in Holden, MA. Mr. Lemire returned to the District Attorney’s office in 2001 and became Chief of the Financial Crime Unit until 2006 when he joined the Superior Court. Since 2007, he has participated in the Superior Court’s judicial mentoring and education programs for new judges. He also served as the Regional Administrative Judge for the Worcester Region from 2011 to 2014. From 1981-2014, he served as an adjunct professor of continuing education at Assumption College for classes and lectures related to Business Law, Criminal Law, Litigation, Real Estate law, Paralegal Programs, and Criminal Justice Programs.

About Peter Sacks:

State Solicitor Peter Sacks graduated with a BA Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College and later magna cum laude from Harvard Law School where he served on the Harvard Law Review. Following his graduation, Sacks clerked first for Judge Edward Gignoux, U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, and then for Judge Frank Coffin, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Since 1988, Sacks has worked as an Assistant Attorney General, where he served as the Elections Counsel, as the Opinions Coordinator, and as the Deputy Chief of the Government Bureau. In 2013, Attorney Sacks was appointed to be the first State Solicitor in Massachusetts, serving as the principal advisor to the Attorney General on appellate strategy for cases affecting the Commonwealth. He has served as an active member of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure for the past 18 years.

About Sookyoung Shin:

A graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School, Assistant Attorney General Sookyoung Shin began her law career in 1999, serving as a patent litigator for Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner in Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter, she began working as a staff law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. From 2002 to 2003, Shin served as law clerk for the Honorable Joel M. Flaum of the 7th Circuit Court, before returning to Washington D.C. to work as an associate at Kirkland & Ellis L.L.P., specializing in appeals and dispositive motions. In 2005, she began working for the Office of the Attorney General in Boston, where she is currently an Assistant Attorney General in the Administrative Law Division. Ms. Shin has also lectured at Boston University School of Law, and in 2011 was a Supreme Court Fellow for the National Association of Attorneys General.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Judge David Lowy to Supreme Judicial Court

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Judge David Lowy to Supreme Judicial Court

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the following statements on the Governor’s Council’s unanimous confirmation of Judge David Lowy to the Supreme Judicial Court:

“Judge David Lowy is a highly experienced and dedicated jurist and I am confident that he will serve the Commonwealth’s Supreme Judicial Court and all that comes before it with fair and impartial justice,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to congratulate Judge Lowy on his unanimous confirmation, and I thank the members of the Governor’s Council for their hard work evaluating and ultimately approving his appointment.”

“I would like to congratulate Judge David Lowy on his unanimous confirmation to the Commonwealth’s highest court, and know that as an Associate Justice, his temperament and diligence will bring objectivity and integrity to the Supreme Judicial Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I thank the members of the Governor’s Council for their thorough and thoughtful consideration.”

AG HEALEY SUBMITS APPLICATION TO U. S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CANCEL LOANS FOR THOUSANDS OF FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL STUDENTS

AG HEALEY SUBMITS APPLICATION TO U. S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CANCEL LOANS FOR THOUSANDS OF FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL STUDENTSAmerican Career Institute Admitted to Lying, Fabricating Records and Violating Massachusetts Law; AG Applies for Loan Discharges for More than 4,400 Students 

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today submitted a formal application to the U. S. Department of Education calling for the immediate cancellation of loans taken out by Massachusetts students deceived and abused by the American Career Institute (ACI), a former for-profit school that abruptly closed in 2013. 

            The application is based on the unprecedented consent judgment that the AG’s Office obtained against ACI, in which ACI admits to widespread violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The AG’s submission was sent today to Department Secretary John King and Chief Enforcement Officer Robert Kaye of the Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid. In November 2015, AG Healey sent a similar letterseeking loan forgiveness for former Corinthian students in Massachusetts, which has resulted in many such students having their debts eliminated.

“Thousands of students who took out loans to attend these predatory, low-quality programs are legally entitled to immediate forgiveness today,” AG Healey said. “Not only did this school fully admit to lying to its students, it left them with millions of dollars of debt and no real career training. I urge the Department to utilize its power to finally get these students the long-overdue relief they deserve.”

Today’s application asks for a group discharge of all federal loans taken out by approximately 4,400 student borrowers who attended ACI’s career training schools at five locations in Massachusetts – Braintree, Cambridge, Framingham, Springfield, and Woburn.  ACI had offered various certificate programs, such as information technology and medical assisting programs, with tuition and fees that cost up to $23,000.

In 2013, the AG’s Office sued ACI for falsely promising meaningful vocational training and opportunities to its students and then failing to deliver, as well as other widespread misconduct. The judgment against ACI last month in Suffolk Superior Court is believed to be the first time a for-profit school has admitted, in court, its predatory wrongdoing in violation of state law. ACI acknowledged that it knowingly overstated the employment prospects for its graduates; falsified student signatures, enrollment records, attendance records, and grades; used unlicensed and unqualified instructors; and provided valueless externships and no meaningful career placement services.

In its application today, the AG’s Office has requested that the Department cancel all federal loans taken out by 4,400 students who attended ACI from January 2010 through the school’s closure in January 2013 based on ACI’s numerous admissions and violations of Massachusetts law. Additionally, more than 1,400 of those students are entitled to loan discharges because they were enrolled at ACI at the time the school closed or withdrew in the four months prior to ACI’s closure. The Department has already used its existing authority to grant discharges to defrauded Corinthian students in Massachusetts and other states on the basis of Corinthian’s illegal conduct.

AG Healey continues to lead efforts to help students who were deceived by predatory for-profit schools. She has rallied state attorneys general and members of Congress to speak out on the importance of loan discharge, authored letters to the Department of Education, and organized calls and meetings with the Department to help students struggling with their federal loan debt.

AG Healey has been a national leader against predatory for-profit schools and continues to work to secure relief for students. In November 2015, AG Healey announced actions against student debt relief companies and the launch of a Student Loan Assistance Unit to assist borrowers having trouble paying their loans. The AG’s Office is in ongoing litigation with Corinthian and recently sued ITT Tech and an unlicensed for-profit nursing school for alleged unfair and deceptive practices. The AG’s Office also has reached settlements worth more than $6 million with Kaplan Career Institute, Lincoln Tech, Sullivan & Cogliano, and Salter College.

All former ACI students are encouraged to contact the AG’s Office by calling the Student Loan Assistance Unit Hotline at 1-888-830-6277 or by completing the ACI Student Contact Information Update Form so the AG’s Office can assist those students who may be eligible for various relief. 

Governor Baker Signs REAL ID Compliance Legislation

Governor Baker Signs REAL ID Compliance Legislation

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has signed bipartisan legislation to ensure Massachusetts’ compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, while adopting public safety standards so the Commonwealth’s citizens can continue to enter federal buildings and board domestic flights and ensuring that state credentials are issued to residents and those who are lawfully present in the United States. The RMV will continue to update customers throughout its compliance efforts and anticipates REAL ID compliant cards will begin to be issued in the fall of 2017.

“I thank the members of the Legislature for their attention to the Commonwealth’s compliance with federal REAL ID security standards and ensuring that all applicants must show proof of lawful presence in order to obtain any Massachusetts credential,”said Governor Baker. “The security standards and proper federal documentation requirements set out in this bill are imperative as the Registry begins the gradual process of implementation so credential holders may continue to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings in the coming years.”

Governor Baker first filed REAL ID compliance legislation in October of 2015, with the Legislature ultimately adopting the Governor’s bipartisan amendment to make explicit that both a REAL ID-compliant license and a Massachusetts license will only be issued to individuals with proof of lawful presence, ensuring undocumented immigrants do not obtain either type of license under the new system. The REAL ID Act, the result of work by the 9/11 Commission, sets minimum standards that states must meet during the issuance and manufacture of driver’s licenses and Massachusetts resident identification cards. Only a REAL ID carries certain benefits such as serving as a valid form of identification to enter federal facilities and, once enforcement begins, the ability to board domestic flights.

                                                                     

“A driver’s license is one of the most important forms of identification in our society, and it must have accuracy and integrity.  That’s why it’s imperative that our state comply with the REAL ID Act as soon as possible, and without taking any chances that a license could be given to someone not legally in our state,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

"The legislation Governor Baker has signed into law is an important clarification that eliminates any doubt as to who actually qualifies for a driver's license," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).  "By explicitly prohibiting the issuance of a driver's license to individuals who do not have lawful presence in the United States, we are not only upholding the security and integrity of our licensing system, but also moving Massachusetts into full compliance with the federal Real ID Act."

Massachusetts credential holders currently are not subject to enforcement rules set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) because the Commonwealth has a valid compliance extension, as do approximately half of the states in the country. At least 23 other states are already issuing REAL ID compliant credentials.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ACTING COMMISSIONER OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ACTING COMMISSIONER OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

BOSTON - Monday, July 25, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Gregory Rooney as Acting Commissioner of The Property Management Department for the City of Boston. Rooney will replace outgoing Commissioner John Hanlon, who has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Boston Public Schools (BPS). "I welcome Greg Rooney as the Acting Commissioner of Property and Construction Management, and thank him for taking on this important role,"said Mayor Walsh. "Greg has spent much of his career dedicated to improving the City of Boston and will be a great leader in this role." In his role as Commissioner, Rooney will serve in the Operations Cabinet and lead the City's management, maintenance, repairs and security for the City's municipal buildings. The Property Management Department also manages and maintains the coordinated street furniture program throughout the downtown areas, as well as provides technical assistance, scheduling and management of special events at City Hall and Faneuil Hall. The department will focus on preserving and protecting the city's assets in a way that positively impacts the delivery of service and quality of life for Boston residents and employees. Prior to accepting the role of Commissioner, Rooney served as the Director of Enforcement for the Boston Transportation Department. He also served as the Deputy Commissioner for Transportation in the City of Boston's Commission on Affairs of the Elderly. Rooney brings with him over 20 years of experience with the City of Boston. He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Government from Northeastern University. He currently resides in West Roxbury with his wife Karla and daughters Ashley and Hailey.

Stop & Shop 母公司將和Hannaford連鎖超市合併

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT ALLOWING PARENT COMPANIES OF STOP & SHOP AND HANNAFORD SUPERMARKET CHAINS TO MERGE

            BOSTON – Following a review of the proposed merger between Stop & Shop and Hannaford supermarkets, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today the terms of a settlement allowing the companies’ transaction to move forward.

            The AG’s Office joined attorneys general in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the Federal Trade Commission to complete a national review of the transaction. The proposed merger combines the parent companies of multiple supermarket chains in the United States and Europe. In a settlement, filed in conjunction today with a lawsuit in the federal district court for the District of Columbia, Ahold and Delhaize are required to divest 81 of their stores nationwide to competitors in order to complete the merger.

            “Stop & Shop and Hannaford supermarkets are located in numerous Massachusetts communities,” said AG Healey. “By requiring divestitures in cities and towns where the merger would significantly reduce competition, this settlement maintains a marketplace with incentives for stores to offer the best prices, service, and merchandise to consumers.”

Eight of the stores required to be divested before the merger takes place are located in Massachusetts. Big Y Foods, Inc. will be acquiring Hannaford stores in Kingston, Quincy, Norwell, Milford, Norwood, Saugus and Easton, and Tops Markets, LLC will be acquiring a Stop & Shop store located in Gardner. 

Ahold operates more than 130 Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts and its principal U.S. subsidiary, Ahold U.S.A., Inc., is headquartered in Quincy. Delhaize operates more than 20 Hannaford stores in Massachusetts its principal U.S. subsidiary, Delhaize America, LLC, is headquartered in North Carolina.

            This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Michael MacKenzie, Division Chief William Matlack, and Paralegal/Economic Analyst Kyle Barr of Attorney General Healey’s Antitrust Division.

Boston Public Schools and Mayor Walsh's City Hall to Go Launches BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks

Boston Public Schools and Mayor Walsh's City Hall to Go Launches BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks

Boston, MA - Friday, July 22, 2016 - The Boston Public Schools (BPS) in partnership with Mayor Martin J. Walsh's City Hall to Go, today announced "BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks," which are "pop-up" spaces for Boston residents to engage with one another, as well as BPS staff, about the district's 10-year educational and facilities master plan. Based on the premise that the best conversations happen around the kitchen table, BPS and City Hall to Go will be bringing the kitchen table to Boston's neighborhoods. "The most important investment we can make is in our young people, and we do that by supporting their education and making sure they have the best opportunities and learning facilities available to them," said Mayor Walsh. "These Kitchen Table Talks are a fun, innovative way to foster healthy dialogue around how we can better equip our students with the education, skills and facilities needed to meet the standards of 21st century learning."   BuildBPS will provide a strategic framework for facilities investments, as well as curriculum and instruction reforms that are aligned with the district's educational vision. BPS and the Mayor's Education Cabinet are working with Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates (SMMA) to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations submitted to Mayor Walsh, Superintendent Tommy Chang, and Boston School Committee by the fall of 2016.  The project is guided by five advisory committees that include educators and representatives of parent and community partner organizations. "It is great that BPS is partnering with the Mayor's City Hall to Go effort to boost community engagement," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "The Committee looks forward to seeing the many more ways that BPS will engage the public in BuildBPS." For more information, visit: bostonpublicschools.org/buildbps. "Kitchen Table Talks enable families and friends to come together to have great conversations and learn of BuildBPS updates," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "That's what we want for this experience. We want students, parents, teachers, and staff to stop by a pop-up location and hear how the process of the master plan connects with our future plans for facilities and public education in the city of Boston." The BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks schedule is as follows: Thursday, July 28 4-6 pm Roxbury Dudley Town Common Tuesday, August 2 12-3 pm Jamaica Plain 677 Centre St. Thursday, August 4 5-7 pm South End BCYF Block Party, Blackstone Wednesday, August 10 5-7 pm Charlestown Charlestown Farmers Market, Thompson Square Saturday, August 13 9 am - 12 pm Roslindale Adams Park Thursday, August 18 5-7 pm Dorchester Leahy/Holloran BCYF Block Party Thursday, August 25 5-7 pm East Boston BCYF Block Party, Paris Street Pool About BuildBPS Launched on September 29, 2015 by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Superintendent Tommy Chang, BuildBPS is a 10-Year Educational and Facilities Master Plan for Boston Public Schools (BPS). The work is conducted in partnership with BPS, SMMA, the Mayor's Education Cabinet, and several City agencies, including Property and Construction Management, Environment, Energy and Open Space, Neighborhood Services, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, in consultation with designer and project manager Margaret Wood of Pinck & Co. For additional information, please visit BPS' website: http://bostonpublicschools.org/buildbps.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Solar Energy Grants to Two University of Massachusetts Campuses

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Solar Energy Grants to

Two University of Massachusetts Campuses

Solar Canopies at UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell Will Lower Energy Costs and Generate Clean Power

BOSTON – July 22, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $650,660 in funding for two solar canopy projects for the Amherst and Lowell campuses of the University of Massachusetts.  The funding, awarded by the Department of Energy Resources’ Leading by Example (LBE) program, will provide $500,000 for a 4.5 MW solar array at two parking lots at UMass Amherst and $150,660 for a 200 kW system at the South Parking Garage of UMass Lowell.

“These solar canopies are a prime example of state agencies successfully working together to increase renewable energy while decreasing costs for taxpayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Investing in clean energy projects at state properties helps the Commonwealth continue to lead the way on clean energy, energy efficiency and the adoption of innovative technologies.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to expanding the use of renewable energy to fuel our state facilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “It is fitting that UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, two of our state’s flagship public campuses, will once again be on the forefront of innovation with the Leading by Example solar canopies.”

Upon completion of both projects, solar installations at state facilities will total more than 19 MW, up from just 100 kW in 2007. The projects will also install two electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Amherst campus and one charging station at the Lowell campus, a requirement of the Leading by Example grants. Once complete, there will be 11 charging stations on the UMass Amherst campus, including two fast chargers that can fully charge an EV to 80 percent of full capacity in just 20 minutes.

“These solar canopy projects will add to the sizeable number of solar installations at state facilities, all of which are helping to save taxpayer dollars and generate clean, renewable power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “UMass Amherst and Lowell will receive net benefits of more than $7 million over the life of the projects, thanks to reduced electricity costs and long term contracts.”

“These grants demonstrate the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to renewable energy and to the students, faculty and staff of the University of Massachusetts,” said University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan. “The Commonwealth and UMass are both taking on leadership roles in the effort to create a better and cleaner future, and I commend Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for this action and for everything they are doing on behalf of this critical cause.”

The canopy projects combined will generate enough electricity to power approximately 900 Massachusetts homes each year. The UMass Amherst canopies will be a privately financed and constructed system features a long-term energy contract that provides the campuses with a known rate of electricity over 20 years, helping to stabilize energy costs and result in savings of more than $6 million over the life of the contract. UMass Lowell will finance, own and operate its solar array, receiving the full benefit of electricity savings, which will reduce the campuses energy costs by roughly $1 million over 20 years.

The LBE Solar Canopy Grant Program has awarded more than $1.4 million for solar canopy projects at state agencies and colleges, which will result in the installation of more than 6 MW of solar canopy systems by the end of 2016. Additionally, 17 EV charging stations will be installed as part of these projects and other LBE efforts.

“By entering into partnerships to install a total of 4.7 MW of solar at both campuses, Massachusetts is making a clear commitment to continue our proud tradition of leading by example,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “These innovative installations showcase a prudent fiscal model for solar development at state facilities.”

The grant program is funded from Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds. ACP funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.

“This grant will increase the use of renewable energy for UMass and reduce the carbon footprint of the University.  I thank the Baker administration for continuing their commitment to our clean energy future,”said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “If we are going to continue to lead the nation in solar energy production the state must set an example by adding installations like this to our state facilities.”

“Congratulations to UMass Lowell on winning a Leading by Example grant for its new solar canopy,”said State Senator Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell). “The legislature has been working to create energy policies that benefit the environment without increasing costs, and this project shows that it’s possible. Smart investments in renewable energy can help us reduce both our energy bills and our greenhouse gas emissions.”

“I would like to thank Commissioner Judson, Secretary Beaton, and Governor Baker for their continual support of Umass Lowell and the incredible work they are doing at the University,” said State Representative Rady Mom (D-Lowell). This grant will help UML diversify its energy portfolio as well as continue its work as a statewide leader in adopting the best and most efficient technology for its facilities. I look forward to seeing UML implement the project and continue the partnership between the University and State government.”

“I am so proud of the University’s commitment to renewable energy and green building design. I am grateful beyond words to DOER for supporting the University’s ambitious solar project,” said State Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst). “This grant is evidence that when it comes to solar adoption, the entire Amherst community leads by example.”

“I am very pleased that the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, along with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, will be receiving this grant for solar panel canopies through the Leading by Example program,” said State Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell). “I am certain that this will set a further example of how the State Office of Energy Resources and the universities can successfully collaborate to develop new and innovative energy technologies that will be both cost effective and protect the environment.”

“This is a great opportunity for UMass Lowell to transform underutilized space on a parking garage roof into a large-scale solar canopy that realizes financial and environmental benefits for the university,” said State Representative Thomas A. Golden Jr. (D-Lowell). “This will further build on the school’s successful Accelerated Energy Program, which aims to increase energy efficiency across the UMass Lowell campuses.”

The Leading by Example (LBE) program at the Department of Energy Resources works with state agencies to meet specific targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy consumption reduction and renewable energy installations. Since 2007, state agencies have made significant progress, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent, generating 20 percent of electricity demand from onsite renewable and combined heat and power systems, and reducing heating oil use by 78 percent.