April 18, 2013

Travis County Health & Human Services and Veterans Services Weatherization Assistance Program Funds Provided by the ARRA of  2009

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), the Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization Program) received $5 billion to reduce energy consumption for low-income households through energy efficient upgrades.  The State of Texas received $327 million in Weatherization Program Recovery Act grant funding, of which $8.9 million was allocated to Travis County Health & Human Services and Veterans Services (Travis County) to weatherize approximately 1,060 homes.  The State of Texas' Department of Housing and Community Affairs (Texas) was responsible for administering Weatherization Program grants, including funds provided to Travis County.  The Office of Inspector General (OIG) contracted with Lani Eko & Company, CPAs, PLLC, to conduct an examination of Travis County's Weatherization Program.  The examination found that Travis County had not ensured that homes it weatherized were eligible for those services.  Specifically, Travis County did not have procedures in place to ensure compliance with Federal requirements that prohibit use of Federal funds to weatherize dwelling units designated for acquisition or clearance by a Federal, state or local program within 12 months from the date weatherization of the dwelling units would be completed.  Further, Travis County had not properly supported 33 of 45 client transactions reviewed.  The Department of Energy concurred with the report recommendation and will ensure appropriate action is taken by the State of Texas to improve administration of Recovery Act Weatherization Program funds at Travis County Health & Human Services and Veterans Services.

Topic: Financial Assistance