Oregon Receives $15 Million in ARRA Funding For Weatherization Of Low-Income Homes

June 9, 2009 -- (Salem) – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski announced today that Oregon has received $15.4 million, 40 percent of its federal stimulus allocation, for weatherizing eligible low- and medium-income homes, creating at least 230 direct jobs throughout the state.

“I am proud to announce that Oregon is among the first four states to receive federal weatherization dollars,” Governor Kulongoski said. “We were among the first in line because of the tireless work of state energy policy experts, and their prompt efforts will put hundreds of Oregonians to work.”

Article continues below...

The money will be distributed by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) through community action agencies, which operate in every county in Oregon. Community action agencies hire crews and contractors to do the work throughout the state.

OHCS distributes and monitors federal weatherization funds from the U.S. Department of Energy, including those approved by Congress as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu credited the federal and state governments for their determination in getting the stimulus money flowing as quickly as possible.

“The Obama Administration is moving at an unprecedented pace to award these funds to states, so that weatherization agencies can move forward, hire new workers, and immediately begin helping homeowners make their homes more energy efficient,” said Secretary Chu. “This investment will save money for hardworking families while creating jobs, reducing pollution, and moving us toward energy independence.”

This $15.4 million represents 40 percent of the total $38.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, money that will be distributed across the state. OHCS analysts estimate that 575 direct jobs will be created and over 4600 homes will be weatherized from the three years of stimulus funding.

“This weatherization funding will allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient and reducing overall energy bills by hundreds of dollars per year,” said OHCS Deputy Director, Rick Crager “OHCS is excited to play a role in getting these stimulus dollars flowing to low-income projects.”

In April, 10 percent of the money ($3.8 million) was released to the state for planning and administration of the stimulus weatherization. The final 50-percent allocation ($19.2 million) will be awarded based on progress and reporting requirements.

The four states receiving their 40% allocation of stimulus low-income weatherization dollars are: Oregon, Arizona, Kansas, and Mississippi.

Source: Oregon Governor