Concerns over delayed grant funding dominated the recent Select Board meeting in Hubbardston, Worcester County, as officials grappled with the slow progress of a critical project. The discussion highlighted the urgency of completing the project to qualify for future grant opportunities, with members expressing frustration over the lack of movement from National Grid.

One board member raised the alarm, stating, "We are not going to qualify for any grant funding rounds until such time as that project is complete." This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, as officials worried about potentially losing $150,000 in funding if the project stalls further. The board acknowledged that while they are pushing for progress, they feel limited in their ability to expedite the process.

The conversation turned to the possibility of extending the grant's timeline, with one member suggesting, "There should be some mechanism to extend the end range of the grant." However, this idea had not been previously discussed, leaving uncertainty about the future of the funding.

As the board prepares for another summer with non-functional heat pumps, the urgency to resolve these issues is palpable. "I feel real silly going into a second summer of, hey, look at these cool heat pumps that don't work," one member remarked, underscoring the frustration felt by the community.

In addition to the ongoing project, the board is also exploring other sustainability grant opportunities, indicating a proactive approach to securing funding despite current setbacks. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for progress and seeking solutions to the challenges at hand.