Georgia Receives $50 Million in Stimulus Funds for Weatherization
U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced Friday Georgia will receive $50 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to expand weatherization assistance programs.
The funds will be used to weatherize more than 13,600 homes over the next three years, lower energy costs for low-income families that need it, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs across the state.
The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, which manages the weatherization program, and Georgia Power intend to use the new funds to weatherize 500 additional homes. Georgia is giving priority to weatherizing housing occupied by elderly residents and elderly residents with disabilities, and expects at least half of all weatherized homes will go to these high-need residents.
The allocation represents 40 percent of the Georgia’s total ARRA weatherization funding following approval of its comprehensive plan. Georgia already received an initial 10 percent funding allocation for training and ramp-up activities.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Georgia will receive more than $60 million in additional funding for a total of over $125 million. Under the Weatherization Assistance Program, states may spend up to 20 percent of funds to hire and train workers.
“These awards demonstrate the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to moving quickly as part of the country’s economic recovery – creating jobs and doing important work for the American people – while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly,” Secretary Chu said. “Today’s investments will save money for hard working families, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies, and help move America toward a clean energy future.”