WALSH ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF ADDITIONAL
$93 MILLION IN LIHEAP FUNDING TO NEW YORK

(Syracuse, NY)- Congressman Jim Walsh today announced the release of $1 billion in FY 2006 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the states.  New York State is expected to receive an additional $93.325 million in funding immediately.

"This money will have a direct impact for families struggling with rising energy costs and New York's cold winters," reiterated Walsh.

The $1 billion is on top of $2.16 billion in LIHEAP funding previously allocated for the program earlier this fiscal year.  New York State previously received $263.1 million in LIHEAP funding from the federal government.  With today's release, New York's FY 2006 total now tops $356.43 million.

At a community meeting last month hosted by Syracuse United Neighbors (SUN) in Syracuse, Walsh pledged to support the $1 billion supplemental allocation, which received final approval last week by Congress.  President Bush signed the measure into law on Monday, authorizing today's release and distribution by HHS.

LIHEAP is a block grant program under which the federal government gives annual grants to states and the District of Columbia to operate multi-component home energy assistance programs for needy households.  Federal standards have very broad guidelines, with almost all decisions regarding LIHEAP made by the states.  The overwhelming majority of LIHEAP funding is used to help pay home heating costs for qualified families and seniors, though monies can be used to support weatherization projects and help with energy-related crises.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should contact their County Office of Social Services or the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1-800-342-3009 for information.  More information can be found online at www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/heap/default.htm.
 

(####)

Home | Press List