(Host) The Douglas administration has launched an investigation of the state’s weatherization program’s finances.
The program is designed to help low-income people save money on fuel by making their homes more energy efficient.
Two employees have been suspended with pay while the investigation is under way.
VPR’s John Dillon reports:
(Dillon) Vermont recently received about $17 million in federal stimulus funds to expand weatherization efforts statewide over a three year period.
And officials say it is this recent infusion of federal funds that prompted the state investigation. Rob Hofmann is secretary of the Human Services Agency. His agency includes the state Office of Economic Opportunity, which oversees the weatherization program. Hofmann says someone recently came forward with information about possible impropriety.
(Hofmann) "I was personally alerted by a trusted source with possible concern about the administration of the federal stimulus money in the weatherization program. So after an initial review, I had enough concern that I asked the AHS investigations unit to a full review. And their inquiry is still ongoing but I think it serves to underscore how seriously we take the administration of taxpayer’s funds, as well as the conduct of our staff."
(Dillon) Hofmann would not identify the suspended employees or characterize the nature of the investigation.
(Hofmann) "Given that the investigation is still ongoing and I don’t have the report yet, and given that it has personnel implications, I think I have said as much as I elect to at this point. Something was raised to us. We reviewed it. And I am concerned about what we found so far."
(Dillon) The chair of the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee says he hopes the work of the program will not be disrupted as the state heads into the winter heating season. Tony Klein is an East Montpelier Democrat.
(Klein) "Whatever is going on the primary concern I think from the Legislatures’ point of view is that these highly valuable programs – and they are highly valuable – not be interrupted, and that we make sure that every penny that has come this state that is meant for weatherization be spent on that weatherization."
(Dillon) State officials said the investigation should take about two weeks to complete.
For VPR News, I’m John Dillon in Montpelier.