More weatherization dollars up for grabs - Triangle Business Journal:

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U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Thursdahy in Columbus that the department approvedthe state’ds plan to spend $106 million, or 40 of the $266 million in weatherization funding that Washingto n will send to Ohio. The state in Aprio got approval to release 10 percent of the funds and expectse to release the last half afte the Energy Departmentreviews Ohio’ progress in allocating the money. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said the stimulud money will allow the state to improved the energy efficiency of morethan 32,000 houses ownedx by low-income families. The state typically receivex $51 million from the federalo government forsuch initiatives.
Some $5 billion of Congress’ $787 billiohn stimulus package will go toward home weatherization and is seen as one of the first areasd where the money will result in job Agencies such asthe Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Ground Levek Solutions Inc. and Impact Community Action Agencty in Columbus havetold they’ve added employees and expect to hire more to meet the surgw in stimulus-funded weatherization projects. The money will go towarxd helping low-income families improve the energty efficiency of their homes byadding insulation, sealingy air leaks and modernizing heating and cooling equipment.
The upgradesz will be offered to families makingb up to 200 percent of the federaklpoverty level, or $44,100 a year for a familgy of four. Eligible families can apply with areaweatherization companies, whic are listed with the statee Department of Development at development.ohio.gov.