WASHINGTON (Oct. 20, 2008)—HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt on Oct. 16 announced that Maryland will receive $109,164,402 from the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) under the Fiscal Year 2009 Continuing Resolution.
LIHEAP funding is administered to states through the Office of Community Services in the Administration for Children and Families at HHS. The funds will assist eligible low-income households in meeting their heating and/or cooling needs.
“The release of these funds will help low-income families in Maryland stay warm this winter,” Secretary Leavitt said. “These funds will also help reduce the risk of health and safety problems exacerbated by exposure to extreme temperatures.”
States will receive their entire FY 2009 block grant allocations before Oct. 30, 2008. Of the $5.1 billion total LIHEAP funding released today, $101,296,011 will be allocated to Maryland under the regular block grant and $7,868,391 will be allocated as emergency contingency funds.
Individuals in Maryland interested in applying for energy assistance can find more information at http://www.dhr.state.md.us/how/energy/meap.htm .
Source: Department of Health & Human Services