Hopson says stimulus money coming to Texas

March 13, 2009
Kilgore News Herald

According to Rep. Chuck Hopson, up to $345 million will come to Texas for home weatherization as a result of the federal economic stimulus plan passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.

A maximum of $6,500 per home will go to weatherizing homes that meet the program guidelines.

Hopson said these dollars will not only immediately put out of work contractors and their employees back to upgrading houses, but it will also have the secondary effects of making thousands of homes more energy efficient and cutting dollars off monthly utility bills.

“The construction industry has been one of the hardest hit by this recession,” said Hopson. “This money will immediately put contractors back to work, which is what our State and our economy desperately need right now.”

Between $240 to $350 million will come from the US Department of Energy through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to the Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP), which will distribute the money to the contractors qualified to perform weatherization projects. The local agency will also be responsible for selecting the applicants whose homes will be weatherized.

“I strongly urge all homeowners to contact GETCAP to see if they qualify for these services,” added Rep. Hopson. “I also recommend that our local contractors contact the agency and see if their business could qualify for these weatherization funds.”

For questions about the application process in Rusk, Cherokee, and Houston counties visit www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/wap.htm, or contact GETCAP at (936) 564-2491. Panola County residents can visit the same Web site or contact Tri-County Community Action, Inc. at (936) 598-6315.