Weatherization money coming to Kalamazoo Co.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - More people may soon be put to work as the State of Michigan prepares for a massive influx of stimulus money aimed at making homes and businesses more energy efficient.

The first $325 million was announced earlier in March. Improvements funded by the money will include, more insulation, sealing leaks, and modernizing heating and air conditioning.

More recently, Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced an additional $76 million for Michigan, aimed at energy efficiency and conservation.

Newschannel 3 took a look at how the funding could help some people weather tough economic times.

When it comes to weatherizing, Kalamazoo County will soon be putting people to work at a record pace. Work like home insulation, something that many people just can't afford to currently do.

"These folks, as well as other contractors who aren't employed now will have work to do weatherizing houses in the community," said Doug Ginn, Housing Programs Coordinator for the Kalamazoo Co. Community Action Agency.

In February, Michigan thought it would get $250 million from the economic stimulus package to do weatherizing work, now the number is closer to $400 million.

A crew from Lakeshore Construction was out doing work for Kalamazoo County on Monday, and though the county is not sure precisely how much money it's getting, they know it's more than ever before.

"We've never been funded to this level," said Ginn, "and again, it's because the Obama administration saw this as being a part of their stimulus package as well as providing a benefit in terms of helping low-income folks having more energy-efficient houses and saving on our national energy bill as well."

Folks looking to have work done will have to meet some income requirements, but many of the people who will benefit will be low income.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that on average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32 percent and overall energy bills by about $350 a year at current energy prices.

Lakeshore Construction's owner, Mike Horvath, says sometimes bills can be cut in half after the work is done.

"Once they do it, it's insulation that stays with the house forever," said Horvath, "it's a good investment to get it in there, especially with the prices of energy and stuff."