Malden legislators celebrate state grant for Ferryway School energy efficiency and cost-saving measures

Special to The Advocate

State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian announced that the City of Malden will receive a $1.95 million Green School Works grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for energy efficiency and cost-saving measures at Ferryway School. Green School Works grants are funded by the Legislature using Fair Share revenue collected from the state’s wealthiest earners.

This grant will be used to retrofit the school’s aging heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with an innovative cascading air-to-water heat pump. The new system will use multiple heat pump circuits to reduce stress and improve performance during cold winter weather.

“Ferryway’s new cascading air-to-water heat pump is an amazing energy-efficient investment that will support the school for many years to come,” said Senator Lewis. “The legislature remains committed to supporting Malden and other municipalities with new infrastructure that saves the city money and continues pushing towards our goal of net zero emissions in Massachusetts.”

“It is with great excitement to announce that the Ferryway School will be receiving a $1.95 million grant to transform its outdated heating and ventilation system,” said House Second Assistant Majority Leader Donato. “The new air-to-water pump will create a healthier learning environment while also advancing clean energy goals. The Malden delegation will continue to advocate for projects that improve infrastructure and sustainability.”

“This investment in Ferryway School is a win for our students, educators, and the entire Malden community,” said Representative Ultrino. “By modernizing the school’s HVAC system with innovative clean energy technology, we are creating a healthier learning environment, reducing long-term energy costs, and advancing our commitment to a more sustainable future for Malden.”

“The Green School Works grant program simultaneously advances two priorities of the legislature – investments in our public school infrastructure and in the transition to clean energy,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “It is always rewarding to see statewide programs like this one directly benefit municipalities in my District, and I congratulate the Malden Public Schools in securing this award.”

“We extend our sincere thanks to our state delegation for their support in securing this transformative grant,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “We also recognize Malden’s Director of Public Facilities, Eric Rubin, whose continued commitment to improving our school buildings and advancing sustainable infrastructure was instrumental in achieving this award. Thanks to these strong partnerships, Ferryway School will receive a modern, energy‑efficient system that enhances student comfort, reduces the city’s carbon footprint, and supports the broader goal of reaching net‑zero emissions.”