Federal Funds Available

For Heating Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Noting the frigid weather that has gripped much of the nation, the federal government announced that states will receive $99.4 million in additional emergency heating funds, including about $3.3 million for Connecticut.

The emergency funding is part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and it was added to money that states expected to receive after the final appropriations bill passed early this year.

“New England has experienced bone-chilling arctic winds and record low temperatures,” said Rep Rob Simmons, R-Conn. “In times of brutally cold weather, LIHEAP is vital for tens of thousands of Connecticut families.”

Eighteen cold-weather states, including Connecticut, got extra money because of the increases in home heating fuel prices and the colder than normal January weather, said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson.

All together HHS doled out $191.5 million, which includes the $92.1 million in LIHEAP funding previously scheduled for release.

That gave Connecticut a total of $5.1 million to help the more than 10,000 low-income households that receive assistance.

Applications for assistance are available in Newtown through the town’s social service department.