Staff Reports, Stockton Record Net

STOCKTON - Anticipated federal stimulus dollars to keep the chill at bay while protecting jobs are on the way, including $1.8 million for San Joaquin County's weatherization program.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office on Tuesday announced more than $68 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act had been awarded. The county money was expected; it's part of a $4.2 million contract approved by the county Board of Supervisors in June.

The money is being used to expand the county's existing weatherization program, which is designed to reduce the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes, including such improvements as attic insulation. Ceiling fans improve air circulation to more efficiently heat or cool a home.

Total federal stimulus dollars across the state for weatherization will top $185 million, benefiting an estimated 50,000 low-income families, according to the governor's office. Households with incomes at or below 75 percent of the state median are eligible. On average, weatherization cuts annual heating bills by 32 percent, according to the announcement.

For more information on the state weatherization program, go to www.csd.ca.gov. To contact the county's weatherization program, call (209) 468-0439.