December 16, 2009
Recovery Act funds will improve energy efficiency, create jobs
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today highlighted benefits of the state's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in helping to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency in the homes of low-income families throughout the state. Michigan received more than $243 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), which will fund weatherization projects in more than 30,000 homes over the next three years.
"The Recovery Act investment in Michigan's weatherization program enables us to help thousands of citizens who are struggling to keep their homes heated and their budgets balanced during difficult times," said Granholm. "In addition to reducing home energy costs, the weatherization program creates jobs for local workers and provides increased opportunities for the Michigan-based businesses that make and sell the energy efficient products being installed."
The governor made her remarks while assisting workers from Richard Darr Builders, LLC of Laingsburg on a weatherization project in Lansing. The home received added insulation in the attic and crawl-space, fresh caulk to seal doors and windows, and a new dehumidifier. The total investment in the home was approximately $2,700.
The weatherization program works to permanently reduce energy costs for low-income families through the installation of household energy-efficiency measures, while ensuring their health and safety. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) and implemented in communities by the state's 30 Community Action Agencies (CAA's), including Capital Area Community Services, which manages the weatherization program for Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, and Shiawassee counties.
On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 25 percent and overall energy expenditures by $350 to $400 per year. Since the program began, 273,620 Michigan homes have been weatherized. Reduced energy costs have allowed families to spend their savings on groceries, doctor bills and other needs.
For more information about the weatherization program, visit www.michigan.gov/dhs-weatherization
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