Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma will be getting more than $52 million from the federal government to help eligible low-income households meet their heating and cooling needs.
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt yesterday announced that Oklahoma will receive the money from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The state's share is part of $5.1 billion in total funding.
Leavitt says besides helping Oklahoma families stay warm this winter, the funds also will help reduce the risk of health and safety problems exacerbated by exposure to extreme temperatures.
Josephine Robinson of the Office of Community Services says the funds will help the most vulnerable citizens -- the disabled, elderly and children.
States will receive their entire block grant allocations before Oct. 30. Officials say more than $3.8 million of Oklahoma's amount will be distributed as emergency contingency funds.