Albany, NY – January 27, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York would receive an additional $48 million in federal funding for the State’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), bringing this year’s total amount of available federal funds to $108 million. The grants, administrated by the State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), are expected to help nearly 21,600 low-income seniors, individuals and families make their homes more energy efficient this year. DHCR is working aggressively to make $6 million immediately available so that New Yorkers in need can warm their households this winter.
The average New York State household spends more than $2,400 on utility bills each year, a significant portion of most budgets, particularly those of lower-income individuals and families. Weatherization services can reduce those costs by $800.WAP grants are distributed to not-for-profit agencies that provide weatherization services like sealing cracks and openings, adding insulation to floors and ceilings, improving or replacing inefficient heating and lighting systems, and installing Energy Star rated appliance units. These services help income-eligible seniors, individuals and families make their homes safer and more efficient.
“This increase to the New York State Weatherization Assistance Program comes at a time when many New Yorkers worry about the rising cost energy,” Governor Paterson said. “These funds will make a real difference in New York by helping to keep low-income homes heated this winter and cooled this summer, as well as bringing us closer to an energy-efficient future.”
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “This vital federal funding is great news for New Yorkers because it will make homes more energy efficient to bring down energy costs. WAP is an investment in our energy future to ensure we make our homes green and energy efficient.”
Congressman José E. Serrano said: “Better weatherization of our homes helps us in two ways: saving money and conserving energy. I am proud to have played a part in obtaining this increased federal funding to help low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers. This will help many more New Yorkers keep warm this winter and into the future.”
Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “This program will provide real savings to low-income New Yorkers at a time when family budgets are shrinking. I was happy to work with my colleagues to secure funding for this straightforward, effective approach to increase energy efficiency and provide financial relief to families struggling with the high cost of energy.”
DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said: “DHCR is moving swiftly to make certain as many households as possible will get the help they need to reduce their energy consumption and costs. Our sub-grantees provide a range of services to address the needs of working families, seniors, and persons with disabilities throughout the State. We are also working closely with the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) to help target Weatherization Assistance to residents of high need, like the elderly and disabled.”
More information on WAP and a list of organizations that administer the program can be found at: http://www.nysdhcr.gov/Programs/WeatherizationAssistance.
