You asked for a description of the Weatherization Assistance Program, particularly with regard to how heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and other contractors can participate in the program.

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This program funds measures that improve the energy efficiency of dwelling units occupied by low and moderate income households. The measures include:

1. insulation;

2. sealing leaks in the unit;

3. heating system tune-ups, repairs, and replacements;

4. window and door repairs and replacement; and

5. other repairs needed to ensure health and safety or to protect the weatherization investments made in the dwelling.

The program is funded by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The recently adopted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dramatically increases funding for the program. Historically the Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers the program in Connecticut, has received approximately $ 2. 5 million annually for the program. The act provides an additional $ 64. 3 million to be spent over the next three years. The act (1) makes more households eligible for assistance by increasing income eligibility limits, (2) increases the average assistance that can be provided per dwelling unit from $ 2,500 to $ 6,500 and (3) broadens the eligibility of units that have already been weatherized for additional efficiency measures.

The program is open to income-eligible homeowners and renters. DSS proposes that the program serve households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, the maximum allowed by federal law. This means that a four-person household with an income of up to $ 56,293 would be eligible for the program. In the case of renters, landlords must agree to the weatherization work and pay for 20% of the material cost or $ 500 per unit, whichever is less. DSS can waive this requirement for units where the household has an elderly or disabled member or a child under six years old. Landlords who participate in the program cannot raise the rents for two years from the date of weatherization for the affected units unless they demonstrate that the increase is not related to the weatherization funded by the program.

Historically, DSS has administered the program through community action agencies (CAAs). DSS has proposed to use four CAAs to administer the funds added by the act. These are Action for Bridgeport Community Development, the Access Community Action Agency (based in Willimantic), Community Renewal Team, Inc. (based in Hartford), and New Opportunities, Inc. (based in Waterbury). DSS has not yet determined which CAA or other entity will serve the greater New Haven area, where the local CAA is ineligible under the stimulus act.

In addition, DSS has proposed that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) administer $ 20 million of the funds provided under the act in order to weatherize public housing units. The first priority under this component of the program will be weatherizing housing units for the elderly where heat is not included in the rent. Any additional funds will be used for units with tenants who are disabled or have children under six years old.

The CAAs have already entered into contracts with contractors to implement the program through 2010. Because of the substantial increase in program funding, it is possible that they will need additional contractors. Contractors interested in participating in this part of the program should contact the CAAs.

Under the plan, DECD will contract for the installation of energy saving measures and certain administrative services. Contractors will be selected through a request for qualifications followed by a request for proposals for qualified contractors. The plan notes that all contractors will be required to follow sound internal management policies and provide skilled workmanship, high quality materials, and timely weatherization of housing units. The agreement between DSS and DECD will establish terms for recruiting contractors and labor force development, with specific provisions to encourage hiring low income people, state assistance recipients, and unemployed individuals, among other things. Contractors interested in participating in this part of the program should contact DECD.

DSS anticipates that DOE will approve its proposal in early June. One issue under review is how federal prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements will be applied to weatherization work funded under the stimulus act. The proposal is available at www. ct. gov/dss/lib/dss/pdfs/stimulus/arra_weatherzationdraftplan. pdf.