“These weatherization assistance grants will enable states to provide energy-saving home improvements to thousands of low-income families this year,” Abraham said. “Every state, the District of Columbia, and the Navajo Nation are receiving weatherization grants this year. Weatherization reduces an average home’s energy cost by $218 each year.”

Weatherization funds will be administered through state energy offices. The Navajo Nation’s grant will be administered by the Navajo Nation Housing Services Department in Window Rock, AZ.

The congressional appropriation for the Weatherization Assistance Program of $230 million for 2002 represents a 50% increase over the 2001 funding level. This year, says the DOE, the program will reduce the energy bills of approximately 105,000 low-income families nationwide, provide jobs, and help improve the environment.

The program provides energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, which typically include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing the heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services.

The grants awarded include:

Alaska — $1,700,925;
Alabama — $2,437,309;
Arkansas — $2,096,068;
California — $6,374,011;
Connecticut — $2,537,924;
Delaware — $581,518;
Florida — $1,981,492;
Hawaii — $206,257;
Idaho — $1,997,798;
Indiana — $6,633,467;
Kansas — $2,561,867;
Louisiana — $1,752,591;
Massachusetts — $6,630,621;
Maryland — $2,685,405;
Maine — $3,106,317;
Mississippi — $1,668,677;
Montana — $2,550,624;
Navajo Nation — $189,041;
Ohio — $13,913,935;
Oregon — $2,856,430;
Rhode Island — $1,170,171;
South Carolina — $1,797,316;
Tennessee — $4,233,736;
Vermont — $1,293,419; and
Washington State — $4,596,956.

Publication date: 04/15/2002