Whately recognized as "Green Community"

WHATELY, Mass. (WWLP) - You can add the Franklin County town of Whately to the list of Western Massachusetts communities that have been given recognition for going green.

Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard Sullivan gave Whately more than $100,000 on Monday, to help the town of 1,600 keep up the good work.

Sullivan says that improvements are being made in Whately include better heating and cooling systems, and more efficient lighting.

Select Board Member Paul Newlin told 22News that he is happy to have their small town be a part of the movement toward cleaner and smarter energy use.

“I'm proud because I think a little town like Whately will set a good example for other little towns,” Newlin said.

The Franklin county town now becomes the 110th city or town in Massachusetts to be honored as a Green Community.