Home projects in full swing
Two organizations in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties say progress is exceeding expectations on weatherization projects funded by the federal stimulus package.
"We have completed 125 units," said Melinda M. Gault, director of the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County. "Our year-to-date goal is 38, so we're way past that. Our total units we're scheduled to do with stimulus funding is 225, so we're going great guns."
CAPC received $1,664,797 in stimulus funding for weatherization projects. The St. Lawrence County Community Development Program received $1,993,329.
CDP has projects in 320 units under way, according to Director Norma S. Cary.
"We're moving along nicely now," said Jerry F. Snell, the agency's weatherization program director. "We should have over 200 units done by the end of May."
CDP is working with 12 private contractors to carry out the work, and the county's One-Stop Career Center is helping the firms find workers. Mr. Snell said most of the contracting work has centered on door and window replacement, and CDP crews have spent most of their time installing sidewall and attic insulation and air sealants and doing some furnace repair work.
Ms. Gault said CAPC has hired six additional workers to take on the projects.
"They know their jobs might be temporary, but they're learning a skill," she said. "Even if they do have to be laid off in the end, they'll have at least 18 months of training behind them."
All finished work is inspected by state Division of Housing and Community Renewal officials.
"I love this program because it's so needed, and it helps folks in so many ways — lowering their heating bills so they can maybe afford medicine or food," Ms. Gault said. "I hope the program continues at this level. There's always a need."
Lewis County Opportunities received $457,140. Chief Executive Officer Scott P. Mathys said in January that he expected the number of homes the organization could weatherize over two years to increase from 60 to 92. He could not be reached Friday.
