Worth County Community Services Offering Home Weatherization

You could qualify for Worth County CSI's free weatherization program for homes. There are limited federal funds available for this program.

Weatherization saves money by reducing energy use in households by making homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also has the added benefit of creating safer, healthier, and more comfortable places to live.

Homes, apartments, duplexes, and mobile homes that are rented or owned can all qualify. Landlords must give permission for services and agree to pay a small fee. Some landlords have this fee waived if the situation warrants. CSI can assist applicants in contacting their landlords.

Certain income guidelines must be met. A single person can have a yearly income of $21,660. A family of two can have an income of $29,140; family of three, $36,620; family of four, $44,100; family of five, $51,580; family of six, $59,060; family of seven, $66,540; family of eight, $74,020; each additional family member adds $7,480.

Community Services' Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with the goal of preserving and creating jobs and stimulating the economy. CSI uses their own crews or contracts the work with area businesses. Whenever possible, products are purchased from local manufacturers and suppliers. Weatherization can reduce energy consumption by as much as 25% or $450 per year.

Weatherization includes such things as repair, tune-up, or replacement of furnaces, weather stripping, replacement of old light bulbs to more efficient types, and insulation of hot water tanks, walls, floors, and attics. What will be done depends on the unique needs of each structure.

For more information, call Mary Jo Fletchall of Worth County Community Services at (660) 564-2182.

Department of Natural Resources to Hold Public Hearing on State Weatherization Plan in Jefferson City on April 12

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on the statewide Low-Income Weatherization Program annual application for the U.S. Department of Energy’s regular funding.

The department will hold the public hearing from 1 to 1:30 p.m., or until all comments are noted for public record, on Tuesday, April 12 at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City.

The program funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and are administered by the department’s Division of Energy. Since the weatherization program began in 1978, funds have helped to weatherize more than 160,000 Missouri homes. The program supports energy-efficient housing, long-term reduction in utility bills and the comfort and safety of those served. The elderly, people with disabilities and families with children are program priorities.

The Low-Income Weatherization Program annual application is available for review online at dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization/wx.htm. Please address written comments on the plan to Marcy Oerly, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Energy, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176. Written comments must be postmarked no later than April 12, 2011.

Oral and written comments may be presented at the public hearings. After the hearings, the department will finalize the annual application and submit it to the U.S. Department of Energy.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meetings can make arrangements by calling the department’s Division of Energy at

800-361-4827 or 573-751-6630. Hearing impaired individuals may contact the department through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2955.