The Ulster County Legislature on July 3 approved a $194,000 contract with Ulster County Community Action Inc. to expand weatherization work and install energy-efficiency upgrades in manufactured (mobile) homes.

The spending will supplement existing weatherization funds and target in-home measures such as mini-split heat pumps and other electric appliances to replace oil or kerosene heating, Dennis, a Department of Environment/County planning staff member, told the Legislature. “What this contract does is essentially build on that weatherization effort and move towards energy efficiency, and it's geared towards mobile homes,” Dennis said.

Dennis said the county planning department had been instrumental in coordinating the project and that a $50,000 donation from the Bank of Greene County increased the available funding. “We did receive a a a donation from the Bank of Greene County … that increased the original funding amount,” Dennis said.

Legislator Collins asked whether solar had been considered. “I'm wondering if there are ways to or if it has already happened to include solar in this,” Collins said. Dennis replied that solar was not precluded but that installation on manufactured-home facilities could be difficult: “Manufactured home facilities may be a bit difficult, but I don't think it's precluded in this instance.”

The resolution to execute the contract was moved, seconded and approved by the Legislature during the meeting.

The approved contract is intended to complete weatherization already underway through other funding and to add targeted electrical heating and efficiency measures for manufactured-home residents. The record does not specify a start date, the exact number of homes to be served, or the detailed scope for solar installations.

Implementation will proceed through Ulster County Community Action Inc. and the county Department of Environment/Planning, which Dennis said had been coordinating the funding and work.

The Legislature did not discuss further program reporting timelines or per-unit costs during the meeting.