This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
Date: Wednesday, Jauary 15, 1997 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ACF, Michael Kharfen (202)401-9215
"The people of North and South Dakota have endured one of the worst storms of the century with temperatures far below normal levels," the President said. "These emergency funds will help alleviate the suffering and potential effect s of life threatening cold on low-income families and individuals."
LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for fuel and weatherization to insulate homes. States determine eligibility and benefit levels. Also as part of LIHEAP, the Congress sets aside emergency funds to help states meet urgent home heating or cooling needs. The President determines when an emergency warrants the release of these funds.
North Dakota will receive $2,760,000 and South Dakota $2,240,000. These totals include $774,184 to be provided directly by HHS to 10 tribes located in these states. These emergency funds are in addition to the basic 1997 LIHEAP funding allocatio ns.
The tribes have been significantly impacted by the severe cold weather. The housing stock on the reservations is generally poor and more costly to heat. Also, many tribal households rely on propane which is at least 60 percent more expensive tha n at this time last year.
"The Clinton Administration is committed to ensuring that states and tribes have the resources necessary to protect low-income families, senior citizens and children from the devastating effects of this unusually harsh winter weather," s aid HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala.
Of the more than 5.6 million households that received benefits in 1994, 1.6 million were home to senior citizens, 1.1 million were home to a person with disabilities, and 2.8 million were home to children under 18. Seventy percent of the househol ds had incomes below $8,000 a year.