WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick announced today that $112,470,278 has been allocated to Arizona for Weatherization Assistance Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“This is just one more step towards stabilizing our economy and we have many more to take,” said Kirkpatrick. Representative Kirkpatrick continued “I am proud of the communities and the organizations that have seen these difficult times as an opportunity to look forward and build a better Arizona, as well as move closer to breaking our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.”
“We very much appreciate Congresswoman Kirkpatrick’s efforts in getting the program included in the bill and the bill passed. This is really going to make a difference in the lives of our citizens in northern Arizona. We are really excited about our weatherization program being included in the Stimulus Bill. For the first time ever we should be able to dramatically cut into our two year client waiting list. We can now serve twice the number of homes and will have twice the amount of investment in each home,” said Ken Sweet, Executive Director of the Northern Arizona Council of Government (NACOG), who has been administering the weatherization program in northern Arizona for over 30 years.
“City of Flagstaff is extremely grateful for Representative Ann Kirkpatrick’s work which was instrumental in securing $112 million for weatherization and energy improvements in the State of Arizona. We anticipate that the portion of those funds that come to Flagstaff and our region will be used to create jobs, reduce energy costs for our most needy citizens, and allow us to use our energy resources more efficiently in the future,” said Vice Mayor Al White, City of Flagstaff.
“Stimulus dollars put toward weatherization programs have immediate payback in two critical ways: this is the single most efficient way to reduce energy consumption (especially in existing structures) and it lends itself to a rapid ramp-up in job training and employment. The knowledge and tools required for this work are relatively simple and can be readily used by a willing workforce. So, people who need most to reduce their energy bills will benefit, while at the same time quick job creation is accomplished! This is a smart and strategic economic move. We appreciate that Congresswoman Kirkpatrick understands the importance of this program to the residents of District 1 and her continued support of this valuable program,” said Carl Taylor Coconino County Board of Supervisor, District 1.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the State of Arizona to enhance its renewable energy portfolio through the deployment of renewable energy to Arizona homes. This will result in new job opportunities in both rural and urban areas across the State. I can’t thank Congresswoman Kirkpatrick enough for her understanding of the importance of renewable energy and how the Stimulus package will create new jobs and expand the renewable energy industry in Arizona. There is a tremendous opportunity through this legislation for the industry to bring new job opportunities to District 1,” said Andy Kruse, Co-Founder and Vice President of Business Development of Southwest Wind Power.
“Investments in energy efficiency are generating great returns for our customers, and weatherization provides similar benefits to low-income customers who cannot afford to cover those costs themselves,” said Gary Smith, Vice President and General Manager of Gas Operations for UES. He added, “We’re excited about the prospect of expanding these efforts with the vital funding the stimulus package will provide.”
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