Merkley and Wyden Highlight Housing Renovation Grant to Save Energy, Create Jobs in Portland
Portland, OR – August 23, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden commended a federal Recovery Act grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today that will help fund “green” renovations at a housing development for Portlanders afflicted by mental illness.
“When so many of our friends and neighbors are unable to find steady work, we need focused strategies that get people back on the job,” Merkley said. “This grant is a great example of how we can get construction workers back to work today, while also keeping energy costs down in the future.”
“Once again, the Recovery Act is supporting smart investments like energy efficient renovations that grow jobs and help improve the lives of Oregonians,” said Wyden. “Funding like this will save energy, save money and save our environment.”
“This grant comes at a critical time for REACH,” said Dee Walsh, Executive Director of REACH CDC. “REACH is making significant strides in our building portfolio to reduce our energy dependence and create healthier living environments. We support HUD’s and Oregon’s congressional delegation efforts to fund creative and innovative greening strategies”
The $258,426 grant will help the non-profit REACH Community Development Corporation take on energy-efficiency renovations at the Powell Boulevard Apartments in Portland. The grant is part of the Assisted Housing Green Retrofit Program that awards grants and loans to property owners to make energy efficient and “green” investments to their housing properties.
