US HHS releases $100-mil in emergency LIHEAP funds to states

Washington (Platts)--5Jan2006

The US Dept of Health and Human Services on Thursday released $100-mil
in emergency Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds to states, tribes
and territories, said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt.

     Leavitt also said HHS will make available up to 100% of the states'
remaining block grant funds, which total $633-mil, for a combined total of
$733-mil in available resources.

     In addition, the federal government has another $101-mil that remains
available for crises through the emergency contingency fund, the HHS said.
Each year, almost 5-mil low-income households across the country receive
LIHEAP assistance.

     Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance
Directors Assn, said the latest release of funds "will buy us some time."
LIHEAP program administrators are hopeful the Congress will quickly pass a
$2-bil supplemental appropriation to LIHEAP when it returns later this month.

     Wolfe said while the $100-mil "is helpful," it represents only 5% of
the total states need to help low-income households pay heating costs.

                    ---Rodney White, rodney_white@platts.com

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