NH leaders agree on $10 million in heating aid
CONCORD (AP) — New Hampshire is prepared to spend up to $10 million to help financially strapped families pay for heating costs this winter if the federal government doesn't come through.
The state received $25 million in federal fuel aid a year ago, and the state's congressional delegation has been pushing for at least double that amount this year. But if that effort fails, the state would advance up to $10 million from the state treasury, according to a plan being announced today by Gov. John Lynch and legislative leaders from both parties.
The $10 million would mean the program could at least serve the same number of families — about 30,000 — it served last year. If the federal government comes through with more cash this fall or winter, any federal money in excess of $25 million would be used to pay back the state's cash advance.
The Legislature approved up to $5 million to shore up fuel aid three years ago, but due to a warm winter, that money was not needed.
The new plan also calls for freeing up an additional $1.2 million in grants to help needy families make energy-saving home improvements, such as adding weather stripping or installing a more efficient furnace.
CONCORD (AP) — New Hampshire is prepared to spend up to $10 million to help financially strapped families pay for heating costs this winter if the federal government doesn't come through.
The state received $25 million in federal fuel aid a year ago, and the state's congressional delegation has been pushing for at least double that amount this year. But if that effort fails, the state would advance up to $10 million from the state treasury, according to a plan being announced today by Gov. John Lynch and legislative leaders from both parties.
The $10 million would mean the program could at least serve the same number of families — about 30,000 — it served last year. If the federal government comes through with more cash this fall or winter, any federal money in excess of $25 million would be used to pay back the state's cash advance.
The Legislature approved up to $5 million to shore up fuel aid three years ago, but due to a warm winter, that money was not needed.
The new plan also calls for freeing up an additional $1.2 million in grants to help needy families make energy-saving home improvements, such as adding weather stripping or installing a more efficient furnace.
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