Governor Rendell Says Obama Administration Approves PA's Weatherization Plan, Will Receive $101 Million

Release Date: Aug 25, 2009  |  Author: Steve Weitzman (DCED) 717-783-1132; Barry Ciccocioppo (GOV) 717-783-1116

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell said Pennsylvania will be able to expand its weatherization assistance program and help families save money on their monthly utility bills under a state plan the federal government approved today.  

The Governor said the state will receive $101 million with today’s announcement. The commonwealth has already received a 10 percent down payment of $25 million and is expecting to receive an additional $126 million once the state achieves certain milestones required under federal rules.  

“This investment is what stimulus is all about,” said Governor Rendell. “It’s a massive infusion and a worthwhile investment that gives us a tremendous opportunity to help families conserve energy, puts people to work by increasing demand for skilled weatherization pros, and provides some of our most vulnerable people with help reducing their energy bills.” 

The state’s weatherization plan calls for reducing energy use by the equivalent of 155,000 barrels of oil a year, weatherizing at least 29,700 more homes over the next 2-3 years, and putting more than 900 people to work, Governor Rendell said.  

The $101 million announced today represents 40 percent of Pennsylvania’s total weatherization funding authorized under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, adding to the initial 10 percent of the state’s funding allocation that was awarded previously for training and ramp-up activities. The remaining 50 percent, or $126 million, will be released after the state meets specific reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the ARRA.  All told, the commonwealth’s weatherization funds under ARRA add up to $253 million. 

The Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program is administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development, which will work with 43 established local community agencies to deliver services.  

To ensure accountability, monitoring and reporting as part of its weatherization plan, DCED will add new oversight staff with expertise in areas such as financial management and technical assistance. 

The state weatherization plan is online at www.recovery.pa.gov and www.newpa.com, keyword: Weatherization State Plan.

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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.