Mayor Judy Jennette has announced the City of Washington is partnering with Martin County Community Action Agency, Inc. to distribute nearly $800,000 in stimulus money for weatherizing low-income homes throughout Washington Electric’s service area.

A total of $52.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding is now on the way to help weatherize an estimated 23,500 homes and create hundreds of jobs statewide. The funding will also be used for worker training, technical assistance and program support.

Under the State’s newly approved plan, Martin County Community Action Agency’s Weatherization Assistance Program will begin accepting applications, worker training and weatherizing as soon as this week.

The goal of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to create a safe, energy efficient and comfortable home environment for the families served. Priority is placed on providing assistance to the elderly, individuals with disabilities and families with children. Under the stimulus program, eligibility thresholds were increased to include families with incomes 200% below the federal poverty guideline. For example, a family of four qualifies to participate with an annual income at or below $44,100. In addition, those receiving cash assistance payments under TANF or SSI are eligible for weatherization services.

Measures installed may include: air sealing; insulation of attics, walls, and floors; duct sealing and insulation; water heater tank wrap and other general heat waste measures. Residents are supposed to save an average of 20-30 percent on their monthly heating bills after receiving weatherization improvements.

The City of Washington will post eligibility requirements, applications, and program information on their website
http://www.washingtonnc.gov and in September Utility Bills. For further information, please contact Andrea McClain at 252.975.9324.