$123 Million In Federal Weatherization Funds To Be Released In PA November 2

The first installment of $123 million in federal Recovery funds for weatherization will begin to be released November 2, part of $253 million that the state will use for this purpose.

The Governor said the funding represents an unprecedented level of investment that will help to create new, "green" jobs, save money for struggling families, and stimulate local economic activity as weatherization agencies buy required material, vehicles and equipment.

"The weatherization program stimulates the economy in several ways," Gov. Rendell said. "It saves money on energy bills for people who need it the most, and keeps those dollars circulating in local communities because families will be able to spend more on food, clothing and other necessities. It also will create new jobs in the growing 'green' economic development sector."

Pennsylvania's allocation of $253 million for weatherization from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is the fourth largest in the nation; only New York, Texas and Ohio received more. The money will be paid over three years.

The first of the Recovery Act funds to the state's 43 weatherization agencies, $123 million, will be disbursed Monday. Payments to agencies are expected to be completed by mid-November.

A list of local agencies receiving funding is available online.