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State Solicits Public Comment on Federal Request to Weatherize More HomesPublic
SubTitle
6/16/2009
Divisions: Housing
Programs: Weatherization Program
Area:
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY,TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 16, 2009
Contact: Julie Palakovich, Weatherization Program Manager, CTED, 360.725.2948
Mark Porter, CTED Housing Division, 360.725.3060
State Solicits Public Comment on Federal Request to Weatherize More HomesPublic hearing set for July 1 in Olympia
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development will conduct a public hearing from 10 -11 a.m., July 1, 2009 in Olympia to receive comments on its waiver request for additional federal funds to weatherize homes. The hearing will be in the 4th floor conference room of the Davis-Williams Building, 906 Columbia Street SW, Olympia.
Each year the state receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce the heating costs of low-income families. By federal regulation, 85 percent of this money must be used to help pay heating bills. Only 15 percent can be used to weatherize homes and reduce long-term energy costs. If granted, the waiver would allow an additional 10 percent of the annual allocation to be used on weatherization efforts.
If the waiver is granted, CTED estimates that the state will be able to weatherize up to 430 additional homes.
"The goal of the state's request is to reduce the energy and heating bills of as many low-income families as possible -- and not for just one season, but for the long term," said Weatherization Program Manager Julie Palakovich.
A copy of the draft waiver request in available online at www.cted.wa.gov/housing (click "weatherization") or by phone at 360.725.5083 or email to brigidf@cted.wa.gov.
Written comments are being accepted now, and must be received by July 2, 2009. Mail, email, or deliver to Brigid Flynn-Sevier, Program Coordinator, CTED Housing Division, PO Box 42525, 906 Columbia Street SW (4th floor), Olympia, WA 98504-2525, brigidf@cted.wa.gov.
CTED is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more information, visit www.cted.wa.gov.
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