JOHNSTOWN -The Fulton County Office for Aging is ending its weatherization program, which helps county seniors get their homes ready for winter, because the federal government has stopped funding it.
OFA Director Andrea Fettinger said the OFA had received funding for weatherization program services for local people age 60 or older for years.
She said the federal funding helps people with furnaces, replacement windows and other services related to getting the home ready for cold weather.
Fettinger asked the county Board of Supervisors' Human Services Committee last week to adjust the agency's 2012 budget in light of the federal funding cut.
Fettinger asked that her budget be cut by $25,121, which was the amount expected from the federal government. She said the weatherization funding was removed from the federal and state budgets for the state's fiscal year, retroactive to April. The county committee adjusted the OFA?budget.
"We won't be doing any full-fledged weatherization [program]," Fettinger said.
She said the OFA will continue its Home Energy Assistance Program.
The HEAP program helps people age 60 or older on Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability pay their heating bills. Eligibility is based on individual program guidelines. Receipt of benefits is contingent upon availability of funds, the OFA says.
Fettinger said a weatherization program is still available through the Fulmont Community Action Agency.
She said there has been some discussion at the state level that weatherization "replacement" funding will be available, but formal word has not been received.
Also last week, the committee decreased the OFA payroll by $19,121 and the OFA?vehicle lease budget by $6,000. Committee approval is subject to full board approval July 9.