Albany, NY – December 8, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor David A. Paterson today announced $60.3 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for weatherization projects that will work to reduce the energy burden on low-income residents in 9,431 multi-family housing units around the State.
“By targeting federal stimulus dollars to make the State’s multi-family housing developments more energy-efficient, we can reduce energy consumption and residents’ monthly utility bills, cut overall operating costs and make these buildings safer and more affordable,” Governor Paterson said. “I applaud President Obama and the entire Congressional delegation for working to make this critical funding available.”
Awards have been made to 12 new and existing weatherization assistance providers under the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s (DHCR) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Weatherization activities to be performed include: adding insulation and making buildings more weather-tight, updating heating and air conditioning systems, replacing inefficient appliances, and repairing and replacing windows. Awardees demonstrated the capacity to move quickly to weatherize entire portfolios of affordable multi-family buildings that include, for example: Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHC) developments, public housing, supportive and special needs housing, Mitchell-Lama developments, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-assisted projects throughout the State.
DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said: “DHCR’s Weatherization Assistance Program has been making the homes of low-income families more efficient and affordable for years. Under Governor Paterson’s leadership, we are dedicated to the full utilization of this program. This stimulus funding will be used to address the specific need for weatherization in multi-family housing that is most in need of updating. Because of this stimulus funding, these buildings will be more energy-efficient and safer. ”
In addition to its existing network of providers, DHCR helped form partnerships with new sub grantees who have worked to identify and address entire multi-family housing portfolios.
- Funding highlights include:
- $15 million to weatherize 2,143 units of LIHC and HUD portfolios in NYC. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Enterprise will form a partnership to deliver services and NYC’s Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will provide support.
- $9 million to weatherize 1,253 units of supportive housing and project-based Section 8 properties. The Association for Energy Affordability is partnering with the Supportive Housing Network of New York to weatherize units in NYC, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
- $4 million to People’s Equal Action and Community Effort (PEACE) to weatherize 800 units of Project-Based Section 8 housing in Onondaga and surrounding Central NY counties.
- $3.1 million to weatherize 477 units of the Rural Development Section 515 multi-family portfolio. Genesee Valley Rural Preservation Council will serve as sub grantee to weatherize the units which are located in 65 buildings across 16 sites in Livingston, Wyoming, Erie, Monroe, Orleans and Genesee Counties.
- $2.7 million to weatherize 424 units of a combination of Public Housing, LIHC, and Section 515 in Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties. New sub grantee Affordable Housing Concepts will provide WAP services.
- $3 million for the Community Preservation Corporation to weatherize 418 units of multi-family affordable housing across the Central and Western NY regions.
For more information and a complete list of awards under this initiative, go to www.nysdhcr.gov
The following statements were provided in support of the Weatherization Assistance Program:
Senator Charles Schumer said: “These funds are a win-win-win as they create jobs, save families hundreds of dollars apiece and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. There is no better, cheaper or quicker way to move our state towards energy efficiency while also boosting our economy and saving residents money. These weatherization funds through the Economic Recovery Act mean more jobs and more money in the pockets of thousands of New Yorkers.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York. These federal dollars will help make these buildings more energy efficient – cutting their emissions and improving our environment, while helping New York families save on energy costs. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Congressman Michael Arcuri said: “Making these residences energy efficient will not only benefit the environment but these projects will also cut down on the high cost of home heating in the winter and allow residents to stay warmer and safer. I am pleased that Recovery Bill funding is going to be used for these critical improvements and look forward to the completion of these necessary modernizations and upgrades.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said: “I applaud the Obama Administration and Governor Paterson for using stimulus funds to upgrade affordable and low income housing by investing $60.3 million in weatherization projects that will make nearly 9,000 multi-family housing units energy efficient. This federal resource will propel New York City into the next frontier of job growth in the green market. I hope that these funds will create new, sustainable jobs for Brooklyn’s building and construction tradesmen and women. I look forward to seeing these funds at work in Brownsville and other parts of my congressional district.”
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “Weatherizing is an important and effective way to reduce the cost of heating housing units. This new federal economic recovery funding will enable low-income New Yorkers, who otherwise would be unable to afford to weatherize their homes, to make important improvements that will dramatically bring down their monthly heating bill. Not a single New Yorker should be forced to be cold this winter because they can’t keep up with the payments to heat their home. These funds will also help put people to work as they put in place these energy efficient improvements.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “The New York winter is upon us, and helping families weatherize their homes will help keep homes warm and reduce energy bills throughout the season. I am pleased funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help families keep heat inside their homes and keep money in their wallets.”
Congressman Eric Massa said: “Reducing the energy burden for low-income and special needs residents in these tough economic times is important and I’m pleased to see positive results from this funding. By making more than 9,400 housing units more energy-efficient we can reduce costs and improve safety and that’s a winning outcome.”
Congressman Dan Maffei said: “I’m very pleased with the announcement of additional Recovery Act resources for weatherization programs. We have already seen PEACE create jobs and do great work in Central New York. Giving PEACE the resources to weatherize hundreds of units of low-income housing will provide an immediate economic boost to our region and long term relief to those residents who will enjoy lower utility bills.”
Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “I am pleased that Governor Paterson has certified $60.3 million for weatherization projects in New York State. Many homes, particularly older homes, need new windows, new burners, and better insulation in order to be more energy efficient. This funding will help many Long Islanders who have seen their home heating costs more than double from what they paid last year and who simply cannot afford the spike in prices while our economy is struggling. The funding is another example of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at work, improving Long Island’s infrastructure and getting Americans back to work.”
Congressman Scott Murphy said: “This program is an important, common sense investment for New York State. By working to improve energy efficiency and cut costs, these funds will help to both create jobs today and save money for tomorrow.”
Congressman Bill Owens said: “The weatherization funding being released today is a good first step, and can reduce energy costs for hardworking families in our state.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel said: “This is a win-win situation for everyone. Not only do these weatherization projects bring energy costs down while providing jobs now, they provide an opportunity for those engaging in this work to build up the skills and experience necessary for future employment. This is yet again another example of Governor David Paterson’s steady leadership in this current economic crisis, ensuring that New York State maximizes what it gets from the federal government so that all communities can quickly get back on their feet.”
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said: “I’m pleased to see that families across New York will benefit from weatherization efforts that will reduce utility bills especially for low-income residents. Not only will these stimulus dollars help my constituents but will also create work for those updating heating and air conditioning systems, adding insulation and replacing appliances and windows.”
Congressman Edolphus Towns said: “The new, targeted stimulus funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program will help many low-income New Yorkers who are trying to make ends meet during this economic downturn. These much-needed weatherization projects will convert thousands of housing units into safer, more comfortable places to live, while reducing rising energy costs this winter and the adverse impact of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson said: “Protecting tenants and reducing New York’s carbon footprint are important goals for both today and for our future. I commend our President and Governor Paterson for investing in New York and for protecting those who need our help the most in these difficult times.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “Winter’s arrival in the Northeast means that New Yorkers will need to turn up their thermostats in the coming months. Unfortunately, for many low- and middle- income residents, the challenge of paying to heat a home or apartment is compounded by drafty windows, insufficient insulation and faulty heating systems. The federal grants released today will assist residents in more than 9,000 affordable housing units, including 2,100 in New York City by providing funds for weatherization. I thank Governor Paterson and New York’s Congressional delegation for securing these important stimulus funds which will help residents throughout the state.”
Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, said: “These weatherization programs will help to not only improve the housing stock throughout the state for low income residents and save on energy bills, but also create and sustain jobs in this new and growing field. These stimulus dollars along with Green Jobs/Green NY for middle income families and businesses, and the PACE program for weatherization will help rebuild our economy with good paying jobs in our communities that also meet the need for energy conservation. I want to thank the Governor and our federal representatives for their commitment to rebuilding our economy through these green job programs.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, said: “Governor Paterson’s steadfast commitment to conservation and his partnership with the Legislature on energy efficiency financing initiatives have established New York as a national leader in tackling the tough challenges of climate change and employment opportunities in the 21st Century. By taking advantage of an important source of federal weatherization funds and targeting assistance to multi-family dwellings, Governor Paterson is providing yet another means for New York continue to out pace the nation in encouraging energy efficient homes.”
