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JUNEAU - Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development. Funds will be designated for a project designed to reduced high energy costs by an estimated 30 to 50 percent for seniors and other low-income families living in THRHA housing in Angoon, Hoonah and Kake.

"This award couldn't have come at a better time," said Craig Moore, THRHA Vice President of Planning and Development. "Southeast communities are struggling to address the high cost of energy and establish economic stability. Funding for this project will not only improve the comfort of elders' homes, but will create an economic impact through training offered by THRHA that will provide jobs for local residents."

The project will also provide community energy use education and energy use monitoring to assist with long-term changes in energy use.

"The cheapest kilowatt of electricity is the kilowatt you never have to use," said Norton Gregory, THRHA Housing Manager. "People are frustrated with high-energy costs. Communities are dependent on imported oil to generate electricity and the estimated cost for household heat and electric is upward of 43 percent of the average household income. The energy retrofits will conserve energy and help reduce the cost of living."

To complete this project, already secured funding will be used to develop and provide multifamily weatherization curriculum and training specific to Southeast Alaska's extreme wet cold climate for THRHA construction crews. In addition, State funding will assist with super-weatherizing two larger, older buildings. The scope of work may include new insulation, upgrading heating, venting, and lighting. THRHA's goal is to meet or exceed the State's plan to reduce per capita electricity use in Alaska by 15 percent by 2020.