Weatherization funds awarded four states

WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steve Chu announced the awarding of weatherization funds to four states -- Arizona, Kansas, Mississippi and Oregon.

Chu said the transfer of nearly $80 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help those states, the first to receive such funds, to expand their weatherization assistance programs.

"The Obama Administration is moving at an unprecedented pace to award these funds to states, so that weatherization agencies can move forward, hire new workers and immediately begin helping homeowners make their homes more energy efficient," said Chu. "This investment will save money for hardworking families while creating jobs, reducing pollution, and moving us toward energy independence."

The department's Weatherization Assistance Program will be available to families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

Officials said weatherization projects allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient.