Baucus, Tester announce boost to weatherization program

Senators Applaud Job Creating, Energy Saving Program for Low Income Families

Washington, DC – Montana Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today that Montana will receive additional funding to expand Montana’s successful weatherization program. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says the additional funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is to continue the state’s success and innovation under the Weatherization Assistance Program.

“This is the kind of smart investment Montana communities need most right now. We’ve got to create the right conditions to boost the construction industry and help folks save money on their utility bills,” said Baucus.

“Weatherizing homes saves families money and rebuilds Montana’s economy,” Tester said. “This project will go a long way in making Montana’s homes more efficient, and it’s a common sense way to cut costs and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Weatherization agencies in Helena, Butte and Kalispell have been selected to receive more than $900,000 to install various energy efficiency technologies in low-income homes.

As of June 30, Montana has already weatherized more than 1,200 homes under the Recovery Act, or roughly half the total number of homes the state planned to weatherize. The weatherization program is also creating jobs locally – putting carpenters and electricians back to work installing insulation, upgrading appliances and improving heating and cooling systems.

“The weatherization program is successfully delivering energy and cost savings for American families while helping to rebuild our economy,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  “These investments in energy efficiency under the Recovery Act are putting thousands of people to work in Montana and across the country as part of our clean energy future.”

Secretary Chu will be in Butte next month to help boost job opportunities in Big Sky Country at the Montana Economic Development Summit. The jobs summit is free to all Montanans. For more information click here

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