Authorize Acceptance of Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program Funds in the Amount Up to $1,200,000.00 from the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc. Authorize Execution of Related Contracts and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize the acceptance of targeted Low-Income Weatherization Program Grant Funds in the amount up to $1,200,000.00 from the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc.;

2.  Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any renewals, amendments and extensions with the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc., for the grant funds; and

3.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of $1,200,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant.

The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication is to approve acceptance of grant funds that will be used to assist with weatherization and energy efficiency efforts in the homes of low-income individuals in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.  A contract for services between the City and the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc. (TACAA), will be executed.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has been operated by the City of Fort Worth since 1982.  The bulk of the funding for the program comes from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which administers grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Additional funds are supplied by TACAA, which administers monies allocated by Oncor Electric Delivery (Oncor) to provide a Low-Income Weatherization Program that complements the federally funded WAP and provides assistance to Oncor's low-income customers for energy efficiency measures.

The primary objective of TACAA's weatherization program is to effectively reduce energy use in the homes of eligible families with cost effective measures.  Among other necessary qualifications, a household income must be at or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level and the household must be a customer of Oncor's.  Eligible services may include attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking, window and door repairs and/or replacement, installation of compact fluorescent lighting and installation of water saver devices and Energy-Star-Rated air conditioners and refrigerators.  Final determination of services is made through the performance of an energy audit or in accordance with an approved priority list.

TACAA's program will be administered within existing WAP standards and guidelines and through various contracts with subcontractors.  All subcontractors performing any eligible services for the City will not be paid until work is inspected and approved by Neighborhood Services Department inspectors.  The current year target for the combined WAP and TACAA program is a total of approximately 250 homes.

This grant does not allow indirect costs.

The program serves ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.