Vermont Business Magazine US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire, Sarah Waring, on Monday announced $250,000 to make essential energy improvements for low-income Twin State residents. The investments are being made to three nonprofit organizations through Housing Preservation Grants and are included in today’s national announcement of $80,119,669 to fund more than 200 projects that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to serving those in our rural communities who need our help the most,” said Waring. “For people living in areas that have been traditionally underserved and scarred by poverty, this funding is a reminder that they’re not forgotten. President Biden’s commitment to advance equity for all includes low-income seniors who want to age in place with dignity, in the communities they know and love. With this funding for crucial home repairs to reduce energy consumption and save money, they can do just that.”
For example:
• In Grafton and Sullivan Counties in New Hampshire, and Orange and Windsor Counties in Vermont, Cover Home Repair will use $29,905 to provide improvements for six to ten low-income households, focused on reducing heating-fuel costs and energy consumption.
• In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom—one of five Rural Economic Area Partnerships, or REAP zones, in the U.S.—Northeast Employment and Training will use $150,000 to help senior homeowners age in place by making energy-efficiency improvements. The projects will help 26 rural residents in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties save money and stay warm this winter.
• In Windsor and Windham Counties in Vermont, $70,095 will help Southeastern Vermont Community Action make energy-efficiency improvements and save costs for 15 low-income homeowners and their families.
Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development helps expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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Source: MONTPELIER, Vt., Dec. 11, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
