Minnesota in line to receive stimulus bucks for energy

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: March 12, 2009 - 1:07 PM

The White House announced today that Minnesota is in line to receive more than $186 million in federal stimulus funds for weatherization and energy efficiency projects.

The money is the state's chunk of nearly $8 billion that will be distributed nationwide for energy improvements.

Of the statewide total, $131,937,411 will be earmarked for weatherization of homes, which includes adding insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment.

The weatherization funds will be available for households with incomes of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

Another $54,172,000 will be devoted to a state energy program that will provide rebates to consumers for home energy audits. other energy saving improvements and development of renewable energy projects and alternative fuel for electrical generation.

The White House also announced today that Iowa will receive more than $131 million for energy projects; North Dakota will get more than $49 million, and Wisconsin will get $197 million.

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