PROJECT STAFF:	Paul Dearhouse, Community Development Specialist
PROJECT PERIOD:	October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008 (Renewable)
FUNDING SOURCES:	Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Arizona Public Service

PURPOSE:

DOE funds are used to contract with two tribes each year to provide weatherization services to at least 40 homes - 20 homes per tribe. The long-term objective is the establishment of a model Tribal weatherization program for tribes across the country to replicate as well as to demonstrate tribal housing weatherization and other rehabilitation priorities to DOE and other funding entities in order to secure additional resources for Tribal housing or other programs. The weatherization program focuses on residential energy efficiency needs of low-income persons and has specific funds for training as well as materials and labor needed to complete home repairs identified through energy audits.

• Facilitate training in weatherization diagnostic equipment use and program requirements for housing program staff from Arizona tribes on a rotating basis
• Provide weatherization assistance to low-income households identified by participating tribal sub-grantee housing program directors.
• Assess tribal housing stock and perform initial energy audits on approximately 40 units with two tribes in Arizona annually.
• Provide a technical energy forum for member tribes of ITCA to develop skills and training in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

• Administrative Requirements. Once a member tribe relays interest and ability to leverage resources to implement a weatherization program, ITCA staff will provide training on the federal regulations governing the weatherization assistance program as well as provide information on the procedures and required necessary documentation.
• Technical Training. Upon completion of a memorandum of agreement, both classroom instruction and hands-on technical training will be conducted with the tribal staff members responsible for completing the weatherization repairs. Training will include basic introduction to energy audits, pressure diagnostics and on the use of specialized diagnostic equipment.
• Annual Conferences & Other Training Opportunities. In addition to the bi-annual National Weatherization Conference and the annual Rebuild America Conference, regional weatherization and energy efficiency training opportunities may be available. In addition, local peer-exchange meetings and technical training opportunities occur at various times throughout the year. Technical assistance funds are available on a limited basis.

The Housing and Renewable Energy Working Group Meeting objectives are to discuss and coordinate priority issues among tribal housing and energy program directors. The Housing and Renewable Energy Meetings are scheduled on an 'as needed' basis and quarterly, respectively.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, like more information on the Weatherization Assistance Program or relevant Working Groups contact Paul Dearhouse, Community Development Specialist at (602) 258-4822.