Maine will receive $7 million in federal stimulus money to continue its low-income weatherization assistance program, state and federal officials announced today.
Maine has weatherized more than 2,000 homes using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The state has been a national leader in weatherization, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“We appreciate the support of the federal Recovery Act in helping Maine achieve our goals to weatherize our old housing stock, conserve energy and grow jobs,” said Gov. John Baldacci. “Maine has taken a leading role in weatherization because we know that conservation is the most cost-effective way to reduce our dependence on oil.”
The weatherization program is creating thousands of jobs, putting carpenters, electricians, and factory workers to work installing insulation, upgrading appliances, and improving heating and cooling systems. According to state reports, the program supported more than 13,000 jobs in the second quarter of this year, including nearly 175 jobs in Maine.
In addition, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that six high-performing local weatherization agencies in Maine have been selected to receive $7 million to install solar hot water systems, hot water heat pumps, replace inefficient washers with Energy Star-qualified models, and perform select heating system upgrades. The award selections were part of $120 million in awards announced nationally to complement and expand existing weatherization programs.
The agencies are: Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle, Community Concepts Inc. in South Paris, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program in Waterville, Penquis Community Action Program in Bangor, Waldo Community Action Partners in Belfast, and Western Maine Community Action in East Wilton.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
College
College roundup: NCAA unveils virus contingency plans for basketball tournaments
-
Nation & World
Biden marks 50 million vaccine doses in first 5 weeks in office
-
Nation & World
Minimum wage increase must be stripped out of COVID-19 bill, parliamentarian rules
-
Business
Costco to raise starting hourly wage to $16, end hazard pay
-
Varsity Maine
Girls basketball: Winthrop rallies late to topple Richmond
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.