By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley has awarded $109,658 to help qualified low-income residents in five southwest Alabama counties make their homes more energy efficient resulting in lower utility costs.
Riley awarded the funding to the Community Action Agency of Baldwin, Escambia, Clarke, Monroe and Conecuh counties which will receive applications and locally administer the Weatherization Assistance Program in those counties.
Eligible applicants will have their houses tested to determine what weatherization measures are needed to maximize energy efficiency. Improvements typically include adding insulation and reducing air leaks by improving windows, doors and vents, and servicing heating and cooling systems. Health and safety diagnostic services are also provided.  
The Community Action Agency will accept applications and determine those low-income residents who will receive assistance based on eligibility guidelines from the U.S. Department of Energy, which is providing the funding.
Riley has designated the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to administer the grant.  The governor notified Cassandra Boykin, executive director of the agency, that the grant had been approved.