Thanks to federal stimulus dollars, Clinton and Clark counties have $3.6 million of home weatherization funds available for their residents instead of an $800,000 base sum for the assistance program.

The funds were allocated for two counties because Clinton County Community Action has operated the home weatherization program in Clark County since 1987. It’s projected that the $3.6 million will be enough to weatherize 428 homes in the two counties, according to Dean Knapp, director of Clinton County Community Action.

Weatherization funds are available to both home owners and renters.

The income limits by family household size are as follows: $21,660 for a one-person household, $29,140 for two people, $36,620 for three people, $44,100 for four household members, $51,580 for five people and $59,060 for a six-member household.

Not everyone who applies and is eligible will necessarily get their house weatherized, but those who do receive the weatherization will get the service for free.

The weatherization program is a “great deal” for people, said Knapp.

“It’s a great opportunity for people who need to save on energy and cut down their bills and stay more comfortable in their homes. I would encourage anyone who is eligible to apply,” he said this week.

People should apply as soon as possible. Call 382-0766 or visit the office at 789 N. Nelson Ave. in Wilmington.

The weatherization work began July 1.

Weatherization is not an entitlement program, said Knapp.

“Just being eligible doesn’t mean you will get the assistance,” Knapp said.

Clinton and Clark counties have had a weatherization program for 22 years.

Due to the jump in funds, about 20 new jobs have been added to perform the weatherization work, according to Knapp. The last two field positions were filled two weeks ago, he said.

The amount of weatherization funds allocated to counties is based on population.

“You try to get somebody to get you a good answer on how many people live in Clinton County right now, and it’s going to be a guesstimate because a lot of people have left,” Knapp said.

“Those who expeditiously could find something else to move to, have moved. If you look around the county and the neighborhoods, you’ll see a lot of ‘For Rent,’ and ‘For Sale,’ and foreclosures. And sadly enough, it will get worse before it gets better,” he said.

Visit Clinton County Community Action’s new Web site for information about the agency’s programs. The address is www.clintoncap.org.