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Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the 2025 Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan and Awards
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the Department) develops and submits a State Plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) each year to administer the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP);
WHEREAS, the draft 2025 DOE WAP State Plan (the Plan) was approved for release for public comment at the Board meeting of February 6, 2025;
WHEREAS, the public comment period was open from February 21, 2025, to March 17, 2025, and public comment was received and is summarized in Attachment B of this action;
WHEREAS, consistent with DOE requirements (10 CFR §440.17) and as permitted by Tex. Gov’t Code §2110.005 and 10 TAC §6.408, the Weatherization Assistance Program Policy Advisory Council met on March 18, 2025, and upon review and discussion, recommended the Plan;
WHEREAS, the Department has prepared the final Plan including a list of the subgrantees to be awarded funds and the proposed award amounts based on the formula contained in 10 TAC §6.404, Distribution of WAP Funds for submission to DOE; and
WHEREAS, the Department expects to receive 2025 DOE WAP funds in the approximate amount of $9,100,000;
NOW, therefore, it is hereby
RESOLVED, that the Executive Director or his designee are hereby authorized, empowered, and directed, for and on behalf of this Board to submit the Plan to DOE and upon DOE approval of such Plan to contract for the awards represented in the Plan and in connection therewith to execute, deliver, and cause to be performed such amendments, documents, and other writings such as anticipated grant guidance on development of the Plan from DOE or to make such non-substantive technical corrections as they or any of them may deem necessary or advisable to effectuate the foregoing.
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BACKGROUND
DOE weatherization funding provides for the installation of weatherization measures to increase energy efficiency of a home including caulking, weather-stripping, adding ceiling, wall, and floor insulation, patching holes in the building envelope, duct work, and repair or replacement of energy inefficient heating and cooling systems. Additionally, the funds allow for subgrantees to complete financial audits, household energy audits, outreach and engagement activities, and program administration. Weatherization Readiness Funds are also provided which reduce the number of deferred homes that require other services which are outside the scope of weatherization, before weatherization measures can be installed. Further, DOE funding provides for state administration and state training and technical assistance activities.
A draft of the Plan was approved at the Board meeting of February 6, 2025, for release for public comment. The draft Plan and announcement of a public comment period and public hearing was made available on the Department’s website and by listserv email distribution, on February 7, 2025, in addition to being announced in the Texas Register issue dated February 21, 2025. The Department conducted a public hearing on March 5, 2025. The public comment period closed at 5:00 p.m. Central time on March 17, 2025. Public comment was received and is addressed in Attachment B.
DOE regulations also require a Weatherization Assistance Program Policy Advisory Council (WAP PAC) be designated in the Plan in order to provide guidance and comment on the Plan. The WAP PAC members are appointed by the Department and broadly represent organizations and agencies throughout the State that represent low-income persons. The WAP PAC meeting occurred on March 18, 2025, at the conclusion of the public comment period. The WAP PAC members reviewed and discussed the Plan and the comments with Department staff, and all PAC members expressed support for the Plan.
The Previous Participation Rule (10 TAC, Chapter 1, Subchapter C, §1.302) requires a review of the DOE WAP awards prior to contract execution. The review has been performed and the subgrantees listed in Attachment A have been recommended for award through the Previous Participation Review and Approval Process.