Weatherization beefed up

NEW YORK STATE — Thanks to the funds from ARRA, the weatherization programs across New York State are getting more money than in previous years. In Sullivan County, for instance, Community Action Commission to Help the Economy (CACHE) has $475,000 for home weatherization projects for the year beginning on April 1, as compared to $300,000 the previous year. Also, CACHE can put more money into individual homes; the limit jumped from $4,500 per home to $6,500 per home.

Jimmy Brawley, the director of CACHE energy services based in Liberty, said the services range from calking around windows, to adding insulation, to testing furnaces and sometimes replacing furnaces.

Gladys Walker, the CACHE executive director, said the income eligibility requirements to qualify are yearly earnings of not more than $23,556 for a single member household, $45,312 for a family of four and $62,320 for a family of eight. She said she thinks those income levels will be climbing after October.

For information about applying for a weatherization grant go to www.sullivancountycache.org or call 845/292-5821.