Almost $50 million in federal government stimulus funds will be provided to Massachusetts to help the state improve and modernize homes in an effort to help residents save energy. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development has just recently the aid package that is a result of the federal recovery stimulus funds to expand weatherization assistance programs throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Dial (617) 788-3610 for more information.
The federal government funds, when combined with existing state programs, will help the state achieve its goal of weatherizing almost 17,000 homes, thereby lowering energy costs for low-income families, reducing their utility bills, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and another side benefit will be the creation of green job opportunities across the state.
This recent investment into the program will mean lower energy costs and bills for hard working families across Massachusetts, and also new job opportunities in the clean energy sector and green jobs.
If you add in the total from the program, Massachusetts will be receiving $122 million in Recovery Act weatherization funding and stimulus grants.
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development will be working through community-based organizations and charities to distribute the funds to communities and groups throughout the state. Individuals and families who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is 60% of the statewide median income ($53,608 for a family of four), may be able to receive help from this program and are strongly encouraged to apply to their local LIHEAP provider for assistance through this weatherization program.
In addition, DHCD has also set aside another $30 million or so to upgrade and weatherize an estimated 3,850 units in lower income and state-assisted public housing developments. Priority will be provided for those units in which the tenants pay their own energy or utility bills. Last, but not least, another $6 million in stimulus funds will go toward weatherizing affordable housing units that are in certain municipalities in the state, including expiring use-restricted and other developments.