State solicits public comment on request to weatherize more homes
Public hearing set for March 28 in Olympia
The Washington State Department of Commerce will conduct a public hearing from 11 a.m. to noon, March 28, 2013, in Olympia to receive comments on its waiver request for additional federal funds to weatherize homes. The hearing will be in the 2nd Floor Conference Room 207 of the Town Square Complex, Building 5, 1011 Plum Street SE, 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. Federal regulations require that 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.
Commerce estimates the state may weatherize up to 745 additional homes as a result.
“The goal of the state’s request is to help low-income households reduce their long-term home energy costs,” said LIHEAP Weatherization Program Manager Donna Regan. “It especially helps those with the lowest incomes, who spend a high proportion of their household income for home energy.”
A copy of the draft weatherization request is available:
• Online at www.commerce.wa.gov/housing
• By phone at 360.725.2961
• By email at donna.regan@commerce.wa.gov
Written comments are being accepted now, and must be received by March 28, 2013. Mail, email, or deliver to: Donna Regan, LIHEAP Weatherization Program, Commerce Community Services and Housing Division, PO Box 42525, 1011 Plum Street SE Olympia, WA 98504-2525, donna.regan@commerce.wa.gov.