Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Weatherization topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Regional agency requests $100,000 pilot to replace wood stoves and weatherize Navajo Nation homes
Summary
The Southeastern Regional Development Agency requested $100,000 to pilot a wood‑stove exchange and weatherization outreach program for about 20 Navajo Nation homes, emphasizing fire safety, EPA‑certified stoves, bilingual outreach and energy‑cost savings.
Southeastern Regional Development Agency (SIRDA) staff asked the appropriation subcommittee for a $100,000 RFA to pilot a wood‑stove exchange and weatherization program serving the Utah portion of Navajo Nation.
Deputy director Jade Powell and community impact director Chris Allred explained the pilot would target roughly 20 homes, replace outdated stoves with EPA‑certified models, perform weatherization upgrades and hire a bilingual (English/Diné) outreach specialist to coordinate with chapter houses. Allred said many homes in the service area rely on wood stoves for heat and that unsafe or failing stoves increase fire risk and indoor air pollution; installing certified stoves and improving weatherization can reduce emissions and utility costs.
The proposed budget included $65,000 for personal services (outreach specialist), $20,000 for supplies/equipment, $12,500 for in‑state travel/meetings and $2,500 for out‑of‑state training. Presenters estimated the program could yield health and cost benefits and streamline services for identified households on local wait lists. Committee members commended the proposal and emphasized the program’s potential to reduce home‑fire risk and utility costs for vulnerable households.
The committee did not vote on the RFA during the hearing; staff will consider it in the appropriation process.
