Governor Rell: $64.3 Million in Stimulus Funds

Will Expand Home Weatherization Program

Will Create Need for Hundreds of Skilled Workers

And More Training Opportunities Statewide

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state will receive $64.3 million in federal stimulus funds to greatly expand a statewide program that helps thousands of low-income families reduce energy costs and consumption by weatherizing their homes.

The Governor said the expanded Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Social Services, is expected to service thousands of additional homes, creating a greater need for hundreds of workers in a number of trades and energy-related or “green collar” jobs.

            “There will be a lot more work for installers, heating and cooling contractors, energy auditors, inspectors and other energy-related or ‘green’ jobs,” Governor Rell said. “To meet this demand, the stimulus funds will also be used to expand weatherization training and job recruitment through our vocational-technical schools, labor boards and other industry partners.”

Weatherization includes:

·        Sealing air leaks and drafts

·        Insulation

·        Repairs and tune-ups of heating systems

·        Window and door replacement

·        Measures reduce health and safety concerns.

Before work can begin, homes are subject to a federally approved energy audit. The state also will incorporate green practices in the weatherization in keeping with Governor Rell’s requirement that stimulus project contain a 25 percent green component.

The state is expanding the program by raising the income level of eligible families. For a family of four, this means qualifying for the program with an income of $56,293, compared to an income of $42,400 under the old plan. The state is anticipating weatherizing approximately 7,500 units with the expanded plan over the next three years. Traditionally, the program weatherizes 700 to 900 homes a year.

Governor Rell said the state expects to create more than 600 jobs to meet the increased demand for services. The state is receiving the stimulus funds through the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and must use the funds over a three-year period.

The Governor said DSS will administer the program through local Community Action Agencies, or other public or non-profit entities. DSS will also work with the Department of Economic and Community Development for energy efficiency improvements in state-financed public housing, particularly in senior housing units where the residents pay for their own heat.

To meet workforce demands, training and employment recruitment opportunities will be available through the state Department of Labor/Workforce Investment Boards; Community and Technical College Network/Vocational Technical High School System; and the state Office of Workforce Competitiveness.

The funding breakdown includes:

·        $20 million for public housing units

·        $28.5 million for Community Action Programs

·        $5 million for training and job recruitment

·        $7.1 million for special projects (shelters, incentive programs)

·        $3.7 million for administration

“We can no help so many more families struggling with all their bills in this economy by helping them cut back on energy use with better insulated homes,” Governor Rell said. “At the same time we can put more people back to work and bolster our green collar workforce.”

Two public hearings on the expanded plan will be held May 5 at:

·        DSS headquarters, 25 Sigourney Street, Hartford, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

·        Watermark, 3030 Park, 2^nd floor, Bridgeport

For more information on the plan or the ARRA in Connecticut, visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.