Reported by Ann Rascalli

Despite bureaucratic delays associated with stimulus funds intended for energy efficiency and weatherization, Governor Ritter todad  hailed the fact that Colorado has received nearly $32 million via the ARRA for weatherization-assistance services for lower-income households.

Hopefully, the fmoney will get into the hands of the people for whom they’re intended sooner rather than later, and not be held up by officials worried about running afoul of out-of-date federal rules governing how much workers should be paid for making energy-saving home improvements.

The money is part of an overall $79 million in weatherization grants Colorado is expecting to receive from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Earlier this year the state was the recipient of about $7.9 million for training and prep work. The Governor’s office said Colorado could get $39.5 million more if it meets specific reporting, oversight and accountability measures.

The latest round of funding will go toward energy audits, home insulation and the installation of high-efficiency appliances such as refrigerators and furnaces.  Surprisingly, households making as much as 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level — or about $44,100 a year for a family of four — are eligible for the assistance.

Some local and state government officials have blamed months of mixed signals sent by federal officials for the delays in disbursing the funds where needed, and many are still holding on to the money.