$400,000 grant for home energy work

The Massapequa-based Long Island Progressive Coalition has been awarded just under $400,000 by the state to power up its programs to help consumers improve their homes’ energy efficiency and attract and obtain training for workers to install insulation and make similar “green” improvements.

The money for Long Island, a total of $397,877 for two years, is to help the group encourage homeowners make weatherization improvements intended to save residents move and reduce pollution from burning heating fuel.

The state Energy Research and Development Authority announced the awarding of the money Wednesday, along with awards to 13 other “grassroots” organizations with similar goals for private homes, multifamily buildings and small businesses. The state grants totaled $5.2 million.

"This very localized approach will help NYSERDA reach people that we may not have reached otherwise,” Francis J. Murray Jr., president of the energy research authority, said in a statement. “We're trying something new that we believe will have a great impact in getting people to make their homes and businesses more energy-efficient."

Long Island Progressive Coalition director Lisa Tyson said the portion of the work that involves training training for green jobs — and helping get people hired by contractors — will be done in conjunction with the United Way of Long Island. She said she expects to hire two to four people for outreach to homeowners, the other portion of the state grant.

“This the first time that, as an organization, we’ve gotten a state grant," Tyson said.

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