CONCORD - Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council today approved an $8.5 million contract that will allow work to begin on the Beacon Communities Project, an innovative partnership between state and local communities that will put people to work cutting energy costs for homeowners, businesses and taxpayers.

Under Governor Lynch, the state brought together local communities, energy experts and businesses to develop the model project, which was awarded a $10 million energy stimulus grant. Nashua, Berlin and Plymouth will be New Hampshire's first three Beacon Communities.

"Our comprehensive energy plan is helping families and businesses cut their energy costs and expanding renewable energy," Governor Lynch said. "Beacon Communities is the next step in that effort. Beacon Communities will put people to work today and serve as a national model, of how all parts of a community - business, government and homeowners - can come together to dramatically reduce energy use and costs."

The Beacon Communities Project will allow the communities of Nashua, Berlin and Plymouth to embark on large-scale energy efficiency projects, which will save homeowners, businesses and taxpayers on energy costs.

Through this project the three communities will have easy access to the technical expertise they need to implement comprehensive energy saving projects in their municipal buildings, and in businesses and homes in their communities. The program will also leverage private financing, utility programs and other partnerships to stimulate investment in energy improvements and create jobs for local contractors and related businesses.

The $8.5 million contract, funded through a federal grant, is with the Community Development Finance Authority - which has vast experience in community development projects. In April, the state received a $10 million federal grant to begin work on the Beacon Communities.

The Beacon Communities project was developed by the Governor's Office, New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, Public Service of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Jordan Institute, Community Development Finance Authority, the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and other members of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board.