CHICAGO – As part of his Keep Warm Illinois campaign to help Illinoisans stay warm, healthy and safe this winter, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a nearly $17,000 affordable housing construction grant to the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, which will allow it to use energy efficient design at eight new affordable housing units in Rock Island. This support will help to greatly reduce monthly utility bills for low-income residents and increase the use of green building technologies. This funding comes from the Governor’s Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
“As energy prices continue to soar, we need to work harder than ever to find innovative solutions to help our working families manage their home utility bills, especially those already struggling to get by. Investing in energy efficient design in new construction is the smartest way to bring about major cost savings from day one and will continue to ensure that affordable housing truly remains affordable for people who need it the most,” said Gov. Blagojevich.
Under the Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program, grants are provided to Illinois-based, non-profit housing developers to include energy efficient building practices in the rehabilitation or new construction of housing units that are affordable. Average energy savings range from 50 to 75 percent per unit. The program also works to demonstrate the lower housing costs that can be achieved through energy efficiency; identifies and maximizes cost effective energy efficiency opportunities present in rehab and new construction; and educates developers, architects and builders about the various energy efficient building measures and “green” building products.
The Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, which has partnered with Community Housing Solutions, another Rock Island not-profit, will use the funding to help construct the Douglas Park Place multi-family unit building in Rock Island. Over the past four years, Gov. Blagojevich has provided more than $3 million in funding through this program, which has led to the development of nearly 1,800 units of energy efficient housing across the state.
“For affordable housing developments to be effective, residents need to be able to meet the monthly expenses of living in that home. Gov. Blagojevich is helping build new homes that will generate major savings on monthly utility bills for the people who need it most. Investments like these help build stronger, more vibrant communities,” said State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline).
“Gov. Blagojevich and I believe that an effective economic development strategy must deliver resources and services at the community level. The Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program is one example of how we can positively impact many lives by partnering with community organizations to do just that,” said State Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island).
“Energy efficient design applies the same kind of forward thinking approach to home construction that we have supported in the business community. Gov. Blagojevich and I believe that community-building development and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand, and, through these grants, we’re helping to build stronger communities. These affordable housing units will greatly increase energy efficiency and drastically reduce utility costs, producing savings that can make a huge impact on the lives of those who need a helping hand,” said DCEO Director Jack Lavin.
Gov. Blagojevich launched the Keep Warm Illinois campaign and Web site in October to help all Illinoisans stay warm, healthy and safe this winter. The Keep Warm Illinois campaign brings state agencies together to coordinate efforts in preparing communities across the state for high home heating costs this winter. The Keep Warm Illinois Web site (www.keepwarm.illinois.gov) offers various no-cost and low-cost energy saving tips, a Web-based tool to conduct a home energy audit, links to energy assistance programs and other resources. In addition, the Keep Warm Illinois hotline (1-877-411-WARM) is another resource for Illinois residents to learn how to save energy and get energy assistance.