The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will conduct a public hearing (Docket # 2020-WAP-CCE-0027) on the proposed Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) 2021 grant application. Due to the current State of Emergency, this public hearing will be virtual, unless otherwise by further notice.

The Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy (CCE) is conducting a hearing to consider comments from the public on the 2021 Weatherization Assistance Program grant application. Federal regulations require DNREC to provide opportunity for public comment on any new WAP grants.

A virtual public hearing will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The web link to the virtual hearing can be accessed through the DNREC Public Hearings site at de.gov/dnrechearings. If prompted for a password, please use: WAP2021. To access the audio-only portion of the virtual hearing, dial 1-408-418-9388 and enter the event code 179 157 0597. Closed-captioning is available by request if made at least 7 days before the event.

Those wishing to offer verbal comments during DNREC public hearings must pre-register no later than noon of the date of the virtual hearing at de.gov/dnreccomments or by telephone at 302-739-9295.

Notice is hereby given that DNREC, Division of CCE, is applying for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) WAP 2021 program funds. The mission of WAP program is to reduce energy loss and consumption in the homes of low-income Delawareans, creating healthier and more comfortable homes while reducing energy bills. This new application continues the work outlined in DNREC’s previous Weatherization Program State Plans. Delaware has one Subgrantee, the Energy Coordinating Agency, that implements the program in all counties. At the time of this notice, Congress was operating under a Continuing Resolution and the Weatherization Assistance Program allocations had not been determined. Due to this delay in allocations, Delaware has been instructed by DOE to develop the Delaware State Plan based on the prior year’s funding levels of $844,216 of which $182,858 is allocated for training and technical assistance. Once the allocations are made available to the states, a revised State Plan will be submitted to the Department of Energy.

The Department will accept public comment through the close of business on Thursday, January 22, 2021. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, or by using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the following address:

Theresa Smith, Hearing Officer
DNREC — Office of the Secretary
89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901

Related Topics:  assistance, climate coastal energy, grant, public comment, public hearing, public notice, weatherization