Published: April 17, 2008 10:12 pm      

Manchin approves $5 million in weatherization grants

Thirteen community organizations in West Virginia are sharing $5,291,102 in grants under the Weatherization Assistance Program that hires technicians to install energy efficiency and conservation measures for low-income residents.

Gov. Joe Manchin said the money will weatherize 1,161 homes, impacting 2,604 residents. Half of those affected will be elderly residents, and one-fourth are intended for the disabled.

The idea is to cut fuel consumption and the fuel bills for low-income residents over many years, Manchin said, while creating healthier living standards.

Among grants Manchin approved:

Barbour, Greenbirer, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Taylor and Tucker counties, $1,010,290, to the North Central West Virginia Community Action Association, covering 227 units and serving 510 people.

Capitol Resource Agency, Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam counties, 149 units and 335 people.

Council of the Southern Mountains, McDowell County, 40 units and 89 people.

Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh and Summers counties, 110 units and 246 people.

Nicholas Community Action Partnership Inc., Nicholas and Fayette counties, 31 units and 70 people.

MountainHeart Community Services, Wyoming County, 26 units and 57 people.