EAST MISSOURI ACTION AGENCY WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM GETS $220,125 IN JULY

East Missouri Action Agency's weatherization program recently received $220,125, and began July 1 to install weatherization materials on low-income homes in the area.

The eight counties served include Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, St. Genevieve and Washington.

Walt Goodman, weatherization program director, said the program is funded 100 percent through the U.S. Department of Energy and is administered through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Energy.

He said weatherization materials will be installed in 132 homes, 15 to 20 in Cape Girardeau. The weatherization work will be finished June 30, 1993, he said.

"All families with low incomes are encouraged to apply," said Goodman. "However, a priority always has and always will be given to the elderly and handicapped households and families with infant children."

The weatherization services offered include sealing cracks and joints, glass replacement, window and door replacement, weatherstripping, attic insulation and venting, wall and floor insulation, and heating system repairs, he said.

Goodman said the EMAA works closely with the city of Cape Girardeau and its Community Development Block Grant program.

"We often combine the two programs," he said. "They do remodeling and try to make the house more livable, and we help make it more energy efficient. We want to assure that the house gets all it needs."

The weatherization program is carried out annually, Goodman said. "The program was first funded in 1977," he said, "and since then it has put over $6 million into the eight counties.

"All of this has been spent on low-income rental and owner houses."

In previous years, the action agency hired low-income employees to install the weatherization materials, he said. Since the program has gotten more technical, private contractors have been employed to ensure a more efficient job.

Operated year-round, the program must perform the same amount of production each month, Goodman said.

Interested families may apply at their local EMAA outreach or call 431-5191.