CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today applauded the House and Senate for acting quickly to pass special legislation providing additional funding for heating assistance and weatherization to help New Hampshire families.

“Many families will need help to stay warm this winter, and it’s important that we come together as a state to assist them,” Gov. Lynch said. “Working together in a bipartisan way, we’ve taken action to help our families. Now it’s time for Congress to follow New Hampshire’s lead and take action to fully fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.”

Gov. Lynch worked with Democratic and Republican leadership to advance a plan to help address the high cost of heating fuel. Part of that plan includes special legislation passed today that increases funding for LIHEAP and expands the state’s weatherization program, which will help low-income families save money by reducing their energy needs.

The legislation provides up to $10 million to augment New Hampshire’s expected federal allotment for LIHEAP. New Hampshire is expected to receive about $27.5 million in LIHEAP funding. The state funds will be repaid by any federal LIHEAP appropriations received this year above the expected funding of $27.5 million.

The legislation also provides $1.2 million to increase the state’s weatherization efforts. These funds are being advanced from the expected proceeds of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Auction. State law provides for at least 10 percent of RGGI auction proceeds to be used for low-income programs.

Also, the state will utilize $860,000 from existing energy efficiency programs managed by the PUC in an effort to accelerate income-eligible weatherization programs for this year.

In addition, citizens can find information on how to stay warm this winter at the www.staywarmnh.org Web site. The Web site provides citizens information on steps they can take to reduce their heating costs and bills this year, as well as how they can apply for assistance.

The state is also partnering with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to coordinate volunteers, citizen and corporate fundraising, to expand and accelerate our weatherization capabilities. Citizens who wish to volunteer can learn more at the staywarmnh.org website.

“I ask everyone to take steps to ensure your homes are ready for the approaching cold weather, and that you take the time to reach out to someone you know who may be in need,” Gov. Lynch said. “If we are to ensure our families and our seniors stay warm this winter, we must work together.”