MARION — The Town of Marion received over $240,000 in state grants to be used for accessibility improvements and energy efficient infrastructure, announced Interim Town Administrator Judy Mooney on Thursday, Jan. 26. 

One $49,060 grant from the Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act Improvement Grant Program will be used to install accessible walkways from the Silvershell Beach parking lot to the bathhouse and playground.

The town also received a $194,065 Green Communities Grant through the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources that will be used to fund energy conservation measures, weatherization improvements, air source heat pumps and administrative assistance in town buildings like Fire Station 1 and 2, and the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center.  

"We are grateful to receive these grant awards, which will be used to make important accessibility and energy efficiency improvements in public areas and town facilities," said Interim Town Administrator Judy Mooney. "The enhancements supported by this funding will benefit Marion's current and future residents and visitors."

Marion was one of 50 towns across the state to be awarded a portion of over $6 million in Green Communities funding this year. 

In 2021, Marion used a $102,000 Green Communities Grant to fund an electric heat pump system at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, attic and basement ceiling insulation at the Music Hall, new storm window inserts at the Elizabeth Taber Library, and two new gas furnaces at two pumping stations in town.