Government Awards Energy Assistance

The state of Oklahoma will be getting more than $52.8 million from the federal government to help eligible low-income households meet their heating and cooling needs.

Friday, October 17th 2008, 9:04 am

By: News On 6

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state of Oklahoma will be getting more than $52.8 million from the federal government to help eligible low-income households meet their heating and cooling needs.

Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt announced Thursday that Oklahoma will receive the money from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2009 fiscal year before Oct. 30.

The funding is administered to states through the Office of Community Services in the Administration for Children and Families at the agency.

"The release of these funds will help low-income families in Oklahoma stay warm this winter," Leavitt said in a news release. "These funds will also help reduce the risk of health and safety problems exacerbated by exposure to extreme temperatures."

Oklahoma's award is part of a $5.1 billion total award for the program.

The state will receive $49,007,158 under the regular block grant and $3,871,078 will be allocated as emergency contingency funds, officials said.