Updated by Staff

The Colorado Governor’s Energy Office is receiving $963,000 in federal stimulus funds to expand weatherization training programs and establish a new training center in Denver.

It is one of 34 projects in 27 states chosen for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to support weatherization and energy-efficiency training programs.

“A well-trained workforce will be a crucial part of America’s clean energy economy in the years ahead,” Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman said in a statement Friday. “These investments in efficiency training programs will help build a foundation for long-term growth in America. Energy efficiency improves the competitiveness of our economy, benefits the environment, and puts Americans back to work.”

With local funds, the Colorado project will cost $1.2 million.

It is a partnership among the GEO, Saturn Resources Management, Red Rocks Community College and Pueblo Community College.

“The partnership will develop eight weatherization certificate programs and deliver trainings through a combination of online, classroom, and field teaching methods,” the Energy Department statement said. “It will also create a certification requirement for weatherization workers in the program, utilize a web-based performance tracking system, cultivate
local trainers, and train approximately 460 Coloradoans
in various weatherization positions.”

“Weatherization helps families save money and reduce their energy consumption,” Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter said in his own statement. “This grant will help build our workforce to meet the increased demands for energy efficient services. The growth of the weatherization program shows that Colorado’s New Energy Economy is growing strong and helping our economy recover quicker and stronger.”