Woburn Gets $200K From MA Volkswagen Settlement

WOBURN, MA — The city has been awarded a 199,765.60 grant to buy a cleaner diesel dump truck for the Department of Public Works. The funds come from the state's share of a court settlement with Volkswagen, which admitted to falsifying vehicle emissions data to make its vehicles appear less polluting. Arlington is one of 30 recipients to receive funding this year from the grant program, which is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

The state was awarded $75 million and distributed 10 percent in its December round of grants.

The city's money will pay for a one-for-one replacement, trashing an old truck and purchasing a newer one, Mayor Scott Galvin said.

"It'll reduce carbon emissions and be great for the environment," Galvin said.

"Massachusetts continues to be a leader in the effort to reduce harmful emissions from diesel trucks, buses and other engines," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, who lives in Arlington, said in a statement. "With these grants, communities will be able to deliver municipal services in a more environmentally friendly way and private companies will help spread the advancement of modern clean-vehicle technology."

The successful grant application was prepared by City Planner Dan Orr and Superintendent Director of Public Works Lenny Burnham. The full list of grant recipients can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/list-of-volkswagen-settlement-open-solicitation-grant-recipients-december-2019/download