By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-847659.mp3
EAST LANSING, MI – The federal government has released the first round of funding for Michigan to hire and train workers to help low-income families save money on their heating bills.
AUDIO: The U.S. Department of Energy is sending Michigan more than $97 million to hire and train hundreds of electricians, construction workers, and installers to weatherize 30,000 homes over the next three years. The work includes putting in new insulation, sealing ducts, and installing energy efficient devices.
The first round of money is an important initial step in establishing Governor Granholm's "Energy Corps" of energy conservation workers. She's said it will help prepare workers for "green energy" jobs, and it will help build demand for Michigan-made energy conservation products.
The help will be available for families living within 200% of poverty. That would mean a family of four with an annual household income of $44,000."