Liberal, Kansas, Sep 23, 2010 -- 
NEWS RELEASE

1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604-4040

Voice (785) 271-2701, FAX (785) 271-2708, WEB www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

Contact: Kent Colwell

USDA Rural Development

(785) 628-3081

WESTKAN APARTMENTS IN LIBERAL BENEFIT FROM WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM

Topeka, KS - September 23, 2010 – USDA Rural Development State Director Patty A. Clark congratulated Westkan Apartments of Liberal, Kansas who recently received a Weatherization grant.

USDA Rural Development assisted in providing weatherization financing for Westkan Apartments, a one hundred and ten unit multi-family housing complex in Liberal, Kansas constructed in four phases in the mid to late 1980’s. Upgrades were needed to make the apartments more energy efficient.

In early 2010, Westkan’s management staff assisted their tenants in applying for a Weatherization Grant, which is funded through the Department of Energy and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The Weatherization Grant program is designed to identify areas where heating and cooling efficiency and fuel savings could be accomplished by completing a comprehensive home assessment. Improvements to the home or apartment are recommended and made based upon the findings of the assessment.

The Westkan Apartments’ comprehensive assessment identified several areas where energy could be saved: weather-stripping, caulking, insulation, low flow shower heads, kitchen and bathroom sink aerators, hot water heaters, heat pumps with exterior condensing units, thermostats, new refrigerators, and new windows.

The owner, Westkan L.P., and USDA Rural Development are committed to the future of this multi-family housing development. The $760,856.00 weatherization project was funded by Department of Energy weatherization grant funds, project reserve funds and the general partner of Westkan L.P.

Tenants at Westkan Apartments are pleased with the work and are anticipating lower energy costs this winter, a sizable help to these low and very low income tenants. Westkan Apartments continue to be an asset to the community in providing safe, affordable, USDA Rural Development subsidized housing.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. For additional information regarding any USDA Rural Development program, contact the Agency at 785-271-2700 or visit the Agency’s Kansas website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

USDA Rural Development – Committed to the Future of Rural Communities.