Tuesday, September 22, 2009

GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES VETERANS GREEN JOBS WILL PROVIDE SAN LUIS VALLEY ENERGY WORK


 
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced that Veterans Green Jobs has been selected by the state energy office to provide weatherization services to income-qualified households in a six-county region of the San Luis Valley.
 
"We're proud to have these service veterans join our New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "These men and women have served their country admirably in the military, and now they return to serve again to help Colorado families reduce energy costs, increase our energy security and decrease our carbon footprint."
 
Veterans Green Jobs will provide weatherization services in Saguache, Mineral, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla counties. The $1.1 million contract runs through June 30, 2010, and calls for Veterans Green Jobs to weatherize and improve efficiencies in 240 homes.
 
"We are honored to have the opportunity to provide weatherization services for the residents of the San Luis Valley," said Brett KenCairn, CEO of Veterans Green Jobs. "Veterans Green Jobs is also excited to incorporate the dedicated Valley residents who have been previously providing these services. In working together as a team, this weatherization program enables veterans to continue their service to the country by helping families save money, reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts, and build and protect a more energy-secure future for our nation."
 
"I am tremendously pleased to see Veterans Green Jobs being named the weatherization provider for the San Luis Valley," said state Sen. Gail Schwartz, who serves on the Veterans Green Jobs board and whose district includes much of the San Luis Valley. "Veterans Green Jobs is the embodiment of three issues that I am firmly committed to: supporting our veterans as they return home, promoting job growth in the clean energy industry and working toward American energy independence."
 
"It's high time we give our returning vets the respect and the good jobs they deserve," said Rep. Dennis Apuan, who represents Fort Carson in El Paso County.  "With job training preparing them for a career in a growing sector, and with the leadership skills learned in the military, our vets are ready to lead us into the New Energy Economy."
 
The Governor's Energy Office, through 11 local partners – including Veterans Green Jobs – is significantly expanding its weatherization services to income-qualified households under the Recovery Act.
 
With nearly $80 million in additional funding provided over three years, Colorado plans to weatherize more than 10,000 homes, cutting utility bills for low-income families, reducing pollution and adding jobs across the state.