Special to the Advocate

Persons with disabilities, the elderly and low-income residents experiencing difficulty paying high utility bills may be eligible to receive assistance thanks to a grant announced by Gov. Bob Riley.

Riley has awarded $241,737 for home weatherization to the Organized Community Action Program, Inc.

The organization will use the funds to make home improvements such as adding insulation, replacing or repairing windows and doors, sealing air leaks and patching holes in roofs for qualified residents in Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes and Pike counties.

&#8220By helping Alabamians protect their homes against the elements, this program lowers energy bills, reduces the demand for fuel and improves the quality of life for those who need our assistance,” Riley said.

In addition to lower utility bills, weatherization projects can stimulate economic development in low-income communities and improve the overall environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Riley awarded the grant from funds made available to the state through a program of the U.S. Department of Energy.

He has designated the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to administer the grant.

ADECA Director Bill Johnson notified Mary P. Terry, executive director of OCAP, that the grant had been approved.