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Stimulus Money Helps Weatherize Homes
Federal stimulus money has allowed agencies to weatherize twice the number of homes than they did last year. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reports that with the $240 million in federal money, agencies across Illinois have already weatherized more than 17,000 homes.

Officials have been going around the state touting the accomplishment, which puts Illinois in second place for the number of low-income homes that have been weatherized. They think this year's number could be triple the 2009 total once the year is complete.

The number would have been higher, DCEO deputy director Larry Dawson explains, but the federal government gave Illinois the prevailing wage data last, and so says Illinois had a late start.

Springfield homeowner Freddy Bates says he's "overjoyed" with the program. His small home is being weatherized, and Bates says he hopes the new windows, caulking, and insulation will lower his more than $1,000 winter heating bills. Bates has a disability, and can work only when his health is stable.

Program officials say the average household saves $437 a year on utility bills.

(Illinois Radio Network)
07 09 10 by Newsroom
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