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GOVERNOR SPITZER ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO REDUCE HOME HEATING COSTS

Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that more than $3 million in energy conservation grants will go to community organizations for weatherization projects that will reduce heating costs for more than 1,400 families across New York.

The funds will be used to: implement energy conservation measures in the homes of income-eligible persons, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities and children; and lower energy costs in publicly-assisted housing and to promote additional coordination with State and federally-funded housing rehabilitation programs. These weatherization awards will be funded through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to meet energy conservation needs.

“With winter upon us, it is imperative the State be there to help all New Yorkers provide the most basic necessities for themselves and their families,” said Governor Spitzer. “These grants also support the State’s energy conservation efforts, by decreasing our energy consumption and dependence on foreign fossil fuels, reducing energy costs for consumers and businesses, and protecting our environment through lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”

Senator Hillary Clinton said: "I applaud the DHCR for providing this important funding. These grants will help New York families combat the increasing burden of energy costs, while at the same time investing in energy-efficient improvements throughout the region that will help protect New York's environment."

Senator Charles Schumer said: “With winter in full force across New York and energy prices through the roof, these grants will provide absolutely vital assistance for the hundreds of elderly and low-income homeowners who are paying an arm and a leg just to keep themselves warm. I’d like to thank Governor Spitzer for releasing these critical funds, and renew my call to the President to fully fund this essential program so that our country’s most needy homeowners aren’t left out in the cold this holiday season.”

Senator John Bonacic, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, said: "I appreciate the opportunity to work with Governor Spitzer in an effort to make housing more energy efficient. Funding such as this reduces energy costs for homeowners and reduces our dependency on foreign oil."

Senator Carl Kruger, Chair of the Senate Social Services Committee, said: "The winter is a particularly difficult time for low-income residents who must struggle to cover their basic needs. I am pleased that the HEAP program is available to lend an urgently-needed helping hand and alleviate a financial burden for so many New Yorkers who might otherwise have to choose between feeding their families and heating their homes."

Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Social Services, said: "Many families in New York are struggling, struggling to pay their rent, their bills and for their food. Any help that we can provide to reduce the sky high costs of living in New York City and State, is more than welcome in our neighborhoods. Along with DHCR’s weatherization program, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance also offers New York State residents help in paying their monthly energy bills as well as emergency disbursements for those who cannot afford to heat their homes. In short, we need these programs in Harlem and we need them in New York, and this is a prime example of government truly addressing the needs of the people."

Assemblyman Vito Lopez, Chair of Assembly Housing Committee, said: "I applaud the Governor’s initiative, which would reduce the financial burden related to the cost of home heating fuel. Working class individuals, retirees, and seniors are at risk of losing their homes this winter because of the high cost of heating."

Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, said: "The awards are an example of the collaborative approach we've taken at DHCR, working with other agencies and partners in order to have a greater impact. The weatherization projects selected will help families in every region of the State, giving them the assistance they need to reduce the long-term costs of heating their homes."

David A. Hansell, Commissioner of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), said: "Given the high cost of home heating fuel this year, OTDA has increased the maximum regular benefit a household can receive through HEAP to $540. We also increased eligibility levels to the maximum allowed under law for the winter heating season, making HEAP benefits available to the greatest number of families. DHCR's weatherization grants will help ensure that our enhanced benefits go as far as possible in meeting heating needs."

Paul D. Tonko President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), said: “NYSERDA is pleased to partner with DHCR and contribute financial assistance for improving the energy efficiency of multi-family housing. Details on our multi-family and single family home programs are explained at www.GetEnergySmart.org.”

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. New York's benefit program is structured in such a way that higher benefits are provided to those households that have larger percentages of their income spent on energy costs, contain a vulnerable individual, and have the lowest income.

The following is a list of the weatherization grants administered by the Department of Housing and Community Renewal. For a full description of the weatherization projects, visit http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/121007grants.html

Long Island Region

Community Development Center of Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk) $ 80,000

New York City

Assoc. for Energy Affordability (Bronx) $200,000
Assoc. for Energy Affordability (Bronx) $ 80,000
Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (Bronx) $200,000
Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp (Kings) $ 80,000
Community Environmental Center (Queens) $ 80,000
Margert Community Corporation (Queens) $200,000

Hudson Valley

Rockland Community Development Council (Rockland) $200,000

Leatherstocking Region

Delaware Opportunities, Inc. (Delaware) $ 50,000
Delaware Opportunities, Inc. (Delaware) $ 86,389
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. (Otsego) $ 70,000
Opportunities for Chenango, Inc. (Chenango) $185,000

Capital Region

Van Rensselaer Homes/Albany County Opportunity (Albany) $127,549
Albany County Cooperative Extension (Albany) $200,000
Saratoga County EOC (Schenectady) $200,000

North Country

JCEO Franklin and Clinton Counties (Clinton) $ 57,258
Comlinks Community Action Partnership (Franklin) $ 80,000
St.Lawrence Co. Community Development Council (St. Lawrence) $ 40,000

Central New York/Finger Lakes

Stoneleigh Housing, Inc. (Madison) $ 50,000
People’s Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc. (Onondaga) $200,000
Tompkins Community Action, Inc. (Tompkins) $ 60,000
Tompkins Community Action, Inc. (Tompkins) $ 85,000
Cayuga/Seneca Community Action (Cayuga) $ 75,000

Greater Rochester Area

Livingston County Planning Dept. (Livingston) $100,000

Southern Tier

EOP of Chemung & Schuyler Counties (Chemung/Schuyler) $ 40,000
Cattaraugus Community Action (Cattaraugus) $ 75,000

Western New York

Supportive Services Corp. (Erie) $175,000
Orleans Community Action, Inc. (Orleans/Genesee) $100,000