WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD
) today announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded two grants totaling $2.5 million to support innovative weatherization programs in Maryland. The grants, awarded to organizations in Garrett and Washington counties, will help low-income Maryland residents achieve energy efficiency in their homes while creating weatherization jobs in local communities.
“This $2.5 million in federal funding will ensure that two weatherization agencies in Western Maryland have the resources they need to help more Maryland families weatherize their homes and save money,” said
Senator Cardin. “The Weatherization Assistance Program is a winner because it builds on the innovative technology that is available to create clean energy jobs, reduce pollution, and provide greater energy savings.”
“This federal funding is an investment in jobs, jobs, jobs right here in Maryland,”
Senator Mikulski said. “These funds will help put dollars back into the pockets of low-income Marylanders by making homes more energy efficient and lowering their energy bills. I’m so proud to support grants that create green jobs and help Maryland families, and I will keep fighting in the U.S. Senate for federal investment in Western Maryland communities.”
The grants, awarded under DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, will enable two Western Maryland organizations to expand existing weatherization programs. In Garrett County, the Garrett County Community Action Committee was awarded $1 million to install wind, solar or geothermal renewable energy systems for low-income residents. In Washington County, C&O Conservation, Inc. was awarded $1.5 million to replace improperly sized HVAC equipment, saving energy and extending the equipment’s life.
The Weatherization Assistance Program weatherizes approximately 25,000 homes per month and is partially funded by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) funding. According to state reports, the Recovery Act portion of the Weatherization Program supported more than 13,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2010 by putting carpenters, electricians and factory workers back to work installing insulation, upgrading appliances, and improving heating and cooling systems.
For more information on the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program, please go to
