ARRA Funds Available for Ohio's Home Weatherization Assistance Program

June 18, 2009 -- Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that Ohio’s plan for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program has been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy. Approval of the plan authorizes the expenditure of 40 percent, or $106 million, of the state’s approximately $266 million in Home Weatherization Assistance Program funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“I am grateful to Secretary Chu and President Obama for providing these stimulus funds, which will allow us to expand the state’s program through the weatherization of more than 32,000 homes,” said Strickland. “The program expansion will help low-income Ohioans save money on energy costs, promote energy efficiency across the state and create new jobs in Ohio’s growing green energy sector.”

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Governor Strickland and Secretary Chu made the announcement following a tour of a Columbus home currently undergoing weatherization. The funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, will be used to increase the energy efficiency of homes owned or occupied by low-income Ohioans, reduce household energy expenditures, and improve occupants’ health and safety.

“Recognizing the urgency, Ohio was among the first states to submit our Home Weatherization Assistance Program application to the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, interim director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This timely and efficient action demonstrates our commitment to helping low-income Ohioans save on their energy bills and improve their quality of life.”

The first 10 percent of the state’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Home Weatherization Assistance Program funds were authorized on April 1. The remaining 50 percent of the state’s $266 million will be released based on a review by the U.S. Department of Energy of the state’s progress in obligating the funds.

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Community Development Division and its Office of Community Services, is free for citizens whose annual household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The funds are being allocated based on an existing formula methodology to local community action agencies and other public and non-profit entities that carry out the Home Weatherization Assistance Program.

For a list of local weatherization providers, visit www.development.ohio.gov. Eligible Ohioans who would like to apply to have their home weatherized should contact their local weatherization provider.

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program is directed at the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's goals: to create and preserve jobs, promote economic recovery, assist those most impacted by the recession, and invest in environmental protection that provides long-term economic benefits. For more information about the American Recovery and Investment Act and Home Weatherization Assistance Program and guidelines, visit recovery.ohio.gov.

Source: Ohio Governor