Washington, D.C. – Continuing efforts to make sure
low-income Oregonians have safely heated and more energy efficient homes, U.S.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced today that
Oregon’s Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP) will receive more
than $15 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA).
“This economic recovery funding from will put folks back to work the
right way,” said Wyden. “We are going to do well by
doing good by boosting energy conservation, with the added benefit of helping
our economy rebound.”
“The funding for weatherization assistance coming to Oregon from the
Recovery Act will create jobs and help families save on energy costs,” said
Merkley. “This is a solid step in the journey of creating jobs by
transitioning to a clean energy economy that will reduce our dependence on
foreign oil and reduce global warming pollution.”
Since 1979, federally funded Oregon weatherization assistance programs have
provided conservation services, health and safety repairs, heating system
repair and replacement, baseload measures and energy education to households at
or below 60 percent of Oregon’s median income. With priority given to senior
citizens and families with young children, locally administered WAP programs
have helped thousands of Oregonians keep their homes safe from cold winter
weather and made them more energy efficient. These programs are administered
through community-based organizations such as CAP agencies, senior centers,
housing authorities and tribes.
This funding represents 40 percent of the total ARRA allotment for Oregon
Weatherization Programs. The remaining 60 percent will be released after the
programs have reached certain predetermined milestones, according the White
House Office of Legislative Affairs.
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