WARREN - About $22 million in federal economic stimulus package money is coming to Ohio's 17th Congressional District to make houses more energy efficient.
The Trumbull Community Action Program will be receiving $3.6 million for work on nearly 440 homes.
The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership will be receiving $7.4 million, expected to weatherize 885 homes.
The money is part of $266 million received by the state for improvements to low-income homes that will improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs. Distribution will begin in June and last three years.
''This money will create skilled jobs and provide opportunities to subcontractors specializing in weatherization/energy efficient services,'' said U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-Niles. ''It puts people back to work in the short term and reduces energy costs and consumption in the long term.''
The weatherization assistance program allows an average investment of up to $6,500 per home for energy efficient upgrades and will be available for families earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.
Fact Box
THE PROGRAM
WHAT: A weatherization assistance program for up to $6,500 per home for energy-efficient upgrades.
HOW MANY: The federal stimulus money should cover nearly 440 homes in Trumbull County and 885 homes in Mahoning.
WHO: Available to families earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.
CONTACT: The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership at 866-223-1125. In Trumbull County, call the Trumbull Community Action Program at 330-393-2507.
Those are increases from previous levels, opening up a new level of population for the services, said Vesna Vukasinovich, director of home energy services with MYCAP.
''It's exciting for us,'' Vukasinovich said. ''We're not doing anything we didn't do before, we're just doing more of it and hopefully spend more money per household.''
Previous income and spending levels were about $31,000 and $4,000, she said.
Some of the work that can be done includes repairs to combustible appliances like stoves and hot water tanks; insulate attics, sidewalls, floors and foundations; seal ventilation ducts; and a create a personal energy management plan for the homeowner or renter, Vukasinovich said.
''We give them hints on how to save energy, control the humidity in their homes, anything to make a healthier atmosphere in that home,'' Vukasinovich said.
The program is available for homeowners and rental units.
A message seeking comment was left at TCAP.
In U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson's 6th District, $26.9 million is being provided to weatherize some 3,200 homes, including $2.2 million to the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County for 291 homes.
''Putting Ohioans back to work weatherizing homes just makes good sense,'' said Wilson, D-St. Clairsville. ''It's an investment that pays back in three ways: It creates sorely needed jobs, it will help families save money on their energy bills and it will help move this country toward energy independence.''