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| Wilson Announces Over $1.7 Million for Home Weatherization in New Mexico |
June 19, 2002 |
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Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson announced today that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded New Mexico a grant of $1,744,160 for its Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). With this funding, the program will be able to improve the energy efficiency of hundreds of low-income homes this year. Last month, Wilson visited three homes in Albuquerque that have benefited from the weatherization program.
“With the extreme weather conditions we face in New Mexico, homeowners often face high utility costs or experience unsafe conditions at certain times of the year,” said Wilson. “The Weatherization Assistance Program not only helps reduce these energy costs, but it helps to provide a safer living space for those who may not be able to afford necessary home improvements.”
“I have been involved in the Program for 27 years, since its inception, and I have seen the good it can do for the low-income families of New Mexico,” said Joseph Stevens Program Director for the Weatherization Assistance Program for Bernalillo, Torrance, Valencia and Sandoval counties in New Mexico. “When these families can do more to conserve energy in their homes, that puts money back in their pockets. It’s great that Congresswoman Wilson has helped with this program so that it can continue to help New Mexico’s families.”
By improving the energy efficiency of homes, the Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the burden of energy costs for low-income families, especially households with elderly residents, people with disabilities and children. The program provides energy audits for the eligible households to identify the most cost-effective measures that can be taken. These measures typically include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services. New Mexico’s Mortgage Finance Authority partners with the Department of Energy to administer the program. To learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program, call (800) 444-6880 or (505) 843-6880.
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