Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) announced today that the Erie County Legislature has approved a resolution requesting supplemental assistance from New York State for some residents who have already exhausted their Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits for this winter season.

     "We know that winters in Western New York are almost always going to have sustained periods of frigid temperatures," said Ranzenhofer. "The LIHEAP Program is very effective in helping families meet the higher energy bills caused by our harsh winters, but many residents are finding that this year even that assistance has not been enough."

     The Legislature's request came on the same day that the Federal government released $191.5 million in home energy assistance for low-income households. New York State will receive $31.4 million for its Home Energy Assistance Program.

     "I congratulate the Federal government for reacting to the particularly harsh winter conditions that states in the Northeast have faced this year, and for responding with more funding to help," Ranzenhofer continued. "I'm looking forward to seeing these funds distributed as quickly as possible into the hands of our residents who need it."

     The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded program that has served to help the residents of Erie County cope with rising energy costs in the winter months by providing assistance in paying their heating bills. Many individuals have already received their initial $300 grant from LIHEAP, but those funds have long since been expended with average utility bills rising to over $200 per month.

     The local LIHEAP has received approximately 42,500 applications so far this year, Ranzenhofer noted. Administrators of the program expect to receive an additional 20,000 before the winter season ends.

     "It's evident from the overwhelming number of applications that we receive that the LIHEAP program has become extremely important to our residents," concluded Ranzenhofer. "I'm pleased that the Federal government has made these funds available now, when the help is needed."

     Legislator Ranzenhofer will be sponsoring a HEAP Outreach on Wednesday, February 11 at Newstead Town Hall, Church and John Streets in Akron. Residents will have the opportunity to receive assistance in filling out their HEAP applications, and receive information on the program. Hours of the Outreach are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Legislator Ranzenhofer's District Office at 631-8695 for further information.