GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES $980,959 IN FEDERAL RECOVERY FUNDS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING HEATING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT WORK
Jobs generated as 10 local housing authorities receive weatherization program funds to support improvement projects
BOSTON, MA – October 1, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s continuing efforts to promote job growth and long-term economic recovery, Governor Deval Patrick today announced that $980,959 in federal weatherization assistance program recovery funds will be used to replace antiquated, inefficient heating systems at properties operated by 10 public housing authorities throughout the Commonwealth.
Those capital improvement projects will generate jobs and deliver clean, efficient warmth and lower fuel costs for tenants of public housing developments in Acton, East Bridgewater, Foxboro, Great Barrington, Lexington, Norfolk, North Reading, South Hadley, Walpole and Whitman.
“These investments will mean a better quality of life for tenants, a better environment, and a better regional economy as we generate new job opportunities and get people back to work,” said Governor Patrick.
“Our Administration knows the importance of keeping public housing as a viable and cost-effective housing option for low-income families, people with disabilities and seniors in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness. “With these funds, we can maintain public housing and better serve tenants and the surrounding community.”
Funding awarded in today’s announcement is part of $25 million set aside for public housing energy upgrades out of $122 million in stimulus funds awarded to Massachusetts for weatherization services to low-income homes. Those American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds come to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and are administered for DHCD by a statewide network of local non-profit agencies.
“This investment will make public housing more energy efficient which means lower heating bills for years to come. This is a lifeline for seniors and the working poor when the brutal New England cold hits,” said Senator John Kerry.
“As we wait for our economy to heat back up, these additional funds will help Massachusetts families stay warm this winter. Weatherizing our public housing is a win-win for the community and our economy as consumers can save money on their heating and cooling bills and workers can be put back on the job properly insulating these homes,” said Congressman Edward J. Markey.
“This important funding will improve energy efficiency, create jobs, and improve the sustainability and of our state’s public housing,” said Congressman Barney Frank.
“We waste precious energy and millions of taxpayer dollars by using old and inefficient heating systems in public housing. Upgrading these heating systems will create HVAC jobs, save taxpayer dollars and improve the quality of life for tenants,” said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. “I am pleased to see these funds being used to replace aging, inefficient heating systems and put some plumbers and pipefitters back to work.”
DOE program requirements call for the $25 million in public housing funds to be used for weatherization of housing where tenants pay for their own heat and earn less than 60% of area median income. The balance of program funds will provide eligible private households with full-scale home energy conservation services. In total, it is estimated that the entire $122 million will be used to weatherize an estimated 16,900 homes by the end of March 2012.
Weatherization improvements can include air sealing and weather stripping; repairs or replacement of expired heating systems; attic, wall and floor insulation; and installation of storm or replacement windows.
With this latest award announcement, Massachusetts has now spent more than $17 million of the $25 million public housing set aside to fund heating system replacements in 47 local housing authorities across the Commonwealth.
Today’s awards are:
Acton Housing Authority: $188,150
East Bridgewater Housing Authority: $ 45,623
Foxboro Housing Authority $ 96,460
Great Barrington Housing Authority: $149,040
Lexington Housing Authority: $ 7,420
Norfolk Housing Authority: $158,910
North Reading Housing Authority: $163,731
South Hadley Housing Authority: $ 82,680
Walpole Housing Authority: $ 81,525
Whitman Housing Authority: $ 7,420
“The Patrick-Murray Administration has long recognized the importance of rescuing public housing in Massachusetts from the path of disinvestment it had been on for so many years prior to 2007” said DHCD Undersecretary Tina Brooks. “These recovery funds are a boost for us to improve our public housing facilities.”
Housing and economic development investments are critical components of Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan, which combines state, federal and, where possible, private efforts to provide immediate and long-term relief and position the Commonwealth for recovery in the following ways:
• Deliver immediate relief by investing in the road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis;
• Build a better tomorrow through education and infrastructure investments that strengthen our economic competitiveness, prepare workers for the jobs of the future and support clean energy, broadband and technology projects that cut costs while growing the economy; and
• Reform state government by eliminating the pension and ethics loopholes that discredit the work of government and revitalize the transportation networks that have suffered from decades of neglect and inaction.Additional Legislative quotes for this press release are in the attached file.
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Legislative Quotes Follow:
“As we wait for our economy to heat back up, these additional funds will help Massachusettsfamilies stay warm this winter. Weatherizing our public housing is a win-win for the community and our economy as consumers can save money on their heating and cooling bills and workers can be put back on the job properly insulating these homes,” said Rep. Edward J. Markey.
“We waste precious energy and millions of taxpayer dollars by using old and inefficient heating systems in public housing. Upgrading these heating systems will create HVAC jobs, save taxpayer dollars and improve the quality of life for tenants,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said. “I am pleased to see these funds being used to replace aging, inefficient heating systems and put some plumbers and pipefitters back to work.”
Statewide:
“Job creation is essential right now, and equally important is the establishment of sustainable practices and technologies that will continue to conserve our natural resources and save families money. It is important that Massachusetts continues to lead this movement towards sustainable job creation and I am pleased to join Governor Patrick in making this announcement”, said Rep. David Linsky, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight.
Acton:
“I appreciate Governor Patrick’s commitment to investing in western Massachusetts. These funds will reduce energy costs and put local residents to work – two goals we must continue to pursue,” said Senator Benjamin Downing.
“This grant is a great example of the way stimulus funds can be used effectively to reinvigorate our communities. This investment in our local infrastructure will help create jobs now, while saving money in energy costs down the line. Weatherization assistance is a great use of the funding, and I’m pleased to see some of it coming to Acton,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge.
“This weatherization funding is good news for East Bridgewater as we enter the colder seasons. This prudent investment in our public housing will help reduce long term operating costs by increasing energy efficiency,” said Senator Brian A. Joyce.
“Thanks to the almost $45,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, residents of Public Housing in East Bridgewater and Whitman will now have more reliable and up-to-date heating – a tangible and practical use for this funding as colder weather approaches,” said Senator Thomas P. Kennedy.
“This is great news for South Hadley. This funding will translate into local jobs, local economic development and improved local housing. Plus, it represents a strong partnership between all levels of government,” said Senator Stan Rosenberg.
“I’m so glad the Town of Acton was awarded these funds. Once the improvements are complete, residents of public housing in Acton will see their energy bills drop, and the town will save money. Everybody wins,” said Representative Cory Atkins.
“This grant will help Acton Public Housing conserve energy and lower their heating costs. It is a win-win for the residents and the environment,” said Representative Jennifer Benson.
“I am very pleased Lexington was able to secure this grant to improve our Housing Authority’s overall energy efficiency. Energy costs have always been a cause for concern in New England and this grant will go a long way towards realizing the Governor’s commitment for cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately lower fuel energy costs,” said Representative Jay Kaufman.
“This is great news for the Great Barrington Housing Authority and comes at a very opportune time before the start of the winter season. Unfortunately, the cost of heating one’s home continues to increase and is a burden for many families. This funding will go a long way in reducing tenant’s bills and ensuring the safety and comfort of our residents while creating much needed jobs for local contractors,” said Representative Smitty Pignatelli.
The Walpole Delegation – Senator James Timilty, Representative John Rogers, Representative Louis Kafka, and Representative Paul McMurtry – agree that, “In times like these every dollar back to the District counts.”
Contact:
Juan Martinez
Kim Haberlin
Heather Johnson
617-725-4025
Phil Hailer (DHCD)
617-573-1104
