Sudbury Select Board reviews emissions inventory, advances Sudbury 250 funding plan

SUDBURY -- June 25, 2024, Sudbury Select Board reviews first emissions inventory and weighs ARPA bridge for 250th anniversary. Consultants Mike Steinhoff of Kim Lundgren Associates and Ben Gould of Eco Data Lab told the board that buildings drive 52 percent of community emissions, residents drive 124 million vehicle miles a year, and meeting state targets requires 550 home electrifications and 450 EV switches annually. Average household emissions reach 65 metric tons CO2-equivalent versus a 42-ton U.S. average. Sudbury 250 Chair Radha Gargeya estimated the town's celebration will cost $50,000 to $75,000, with Town Manager Andy Sheehan recommending an initial $25,000 ARPA allocation on July 16 ahead of the Dec. 31 federal obligation deadline. The board also approved Carl Freese as a Conservation Commission associate member and announced a $250,000 MassTrails grant for Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Phase 3.