Begich Press Release Says, Alaska Receives $46 Million for Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Efforts Senator Begich applauds commitment of stimulus funding from Energy Department

Senator Mark Begich today welcomed a commitment of more than $46 million for home weatherization efforts and energy efficiency upgrades to Alaska from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

$18 million is designated for weatherization efforts and $28 million for state energy programs, including the development of renewable energy projects, efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings, and other innovative state efforts to pursue energy efficiency.

Under the Weatherization Assistance Program, funding for energy efficiency upgrades will be available for Alaskan families making up to $55,140 a year for a family of four. This is higher than the national standard of $44,000 a year.

“The commitment of $46 million to Alaska families and local governments is a much needed commitment from the federal government to ease the burden of high energy prices and an economic recession,” Begich said. “This funding will go to create green jobs and assist Alaskans in ongoing efforts to weatherize their homes, save energy and reduce heating bills.”

Through ARRA, DOE will be releasing a total of $8 billion by way of the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. It is estimated this funding will put 87,000 Americans to work.

Funding for these programs is designated through formulas laid out in the ARRA. Funding will become available in installments as Alaska proves a need through efficient and sustainable energy projects.

“It is my hope that the Department of Energy continues to recognize the ongoing struggles communities across Alaska are facing by promptly releasing this funding,” Begich said. “No state faces Alaska’s unique challenges with respect to weatherizing homes and no state has the vast renewable resources that Alaska does waiting to be developed.”

Further information about these programs, is available through the following links:

Weatherization Assistance Program: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/

State Energy Program: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/state_energy_program/