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Blagojevich announces $65,750 housing grant

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By Times staff reports | Wednesday, December 21, 2005 12:32 AM CST | () comments

As part of his Keep Warm Illinois campaign, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced Tuesday a nearly $66,000 affordable housing construction grant that will allow a non-profit housing developer to use energy efficiency design in 26 affordable housing units, greatly reducing monthly utility bills for low-income residents in Rock Island.

Under the Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program, grants are provided to Illinois based non-profit housing developers to include energy efficient building practices in the rehab or new construction of affordable housing units. Average energy savings range from 50 to 75 percent per unit.

Rock Island Economic Growth, rehabbing the Voss Brothers multi-family building in Rock Island, is receiving a $65,750 grant to incorporate energy efficient design in the new multi-family units.

“For affordable housing developments to be effective, residents need more than just a low purchase price on their home, they need to be able to meet the monthly expenses of living in that home,” said Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. “Gov. Blagojevich is helping build new homes that will generate major savings on monthly utility bills for the people who need it most. Investments like these help build stronger, more vibrant communities.”

Blagojevich launched the comprehensive Keep Warm Illinois campaign in response to the spike in energy prices that is affecting consumers nationwide. State agencies are coordinating their efforts to ensure Illinois residents have the information and resources they need to better manage their home energy costs.

Efforts include the Web site, www.KeepWarm.Illinois.gov, which offers energy saving tips, a Web-based tool to conduct home energy audits, information on energy assistance programs and schedules for home weatherization and energy assistance events.

Residents also can call the Keep Warm Illinois hotline at (877) 411-WARM to learn how to conserve energy and apply for energy assistance.

The city desk can be contacted at

(563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.