HARRY HUGHES, Governor

1045

BE ADMINISTERED BY THE ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

OFFICE. THE COORDINATOR SHALL WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND OFFICE OF ECONOMIC

OPPORTUNITY TO INTEGRATE THE EXISTING FEDERAL ENERGY

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS WITH THE PROGRAMS DEVELOPED BY THE
OFFICE-MARYLAND OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.

(2)  A STATE WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM TO PROVIDE
FUNDS FOR INSULATION MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION COSTS TO
ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS. HOUSEHOLDS SHALL QUALIFY FOR
WEATHERIZATION THE WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM ALLOTMENTS BASED
ON INCOME AND PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY
THE COORDINATOR.

(3)  A FUEL AND UTILITY ALLOTMENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM TO MAKE REGULAR PAYMENTS TO ON BEHALF OF QUALIFIED
HOUSEHOLDS IN ORDER TO DEFRAY FUEL AND UTILITY COSTS.
PROGRAM AND INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES ARE DETERMINED BY
THE COORDINATOR. THE AMOUNT OF ALLOCATIONS ASSISTANCE SHALL
BE BASED ON NEED.

496.

ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1979, THE COORDINATOR SHALL
SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR A COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND
INFORMATION PLAN. THE PLAN SHALL:

(1)  ESTABLISH DETAILED GUIDELINES FOR THE
OPERATION OF THE ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION OFFICE
AND PROGRAM AT BOTH THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS.

(2)  MAKE A BUDGET REQUEST FOR BOTH OPERATING AND
SUBSIDY FUNDS.

(3)  IDENTIFY LOCAL AGENCIES OR OFFICES ABLE TO
PROVIDE INTAKE AND OUTREACH SERVICES.

(4)  ESTABLISH INCOME AND PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TARGET POPULATION.

(5)  MAKE ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS OR PROPOSALS
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PLAN.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if the
funding provided by the federal government for the energy
assistance program is reduced below the figure prescribed on
July 1, 1979, this mandatory provision shall be suspended
until the amount provided by the federal government is
increased to that figure.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE WILL TAKE EFFECT ONLY
IF, AND TO THE EXTENT THAT, FEDERAL FUNDS ARE RECEIVED FOR
THE PROGRAMS DESCRIBED HEREIN. NO STATE FUNDS MAY BE USED
FOR THE OPERATION OF THESE PROGRAMS EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY
APPROPRIATED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR PROVIDED BY BUDGET
AMENDMENT.