(a)
Annual application; contents; allocation to States
The Secretary shall provide financial assistance, from sums appropriated for any fiscal year under this part, only upon annual application. Each such application shall describe the estimated number and characteristics of the low-income persons and the number of dwelling units to be assisted and the criteria and methods to be used by the applicant in providing weatherization assistance to such persons. The application shall also contain such other information (including information needed for evaluation purposes) and assurances as may be required
(1)
in the regulations promulgated pursuant to section
6863 of this title and
(2)
to carry out this section. The Secretary shall allocate financial assistance to each State on the basis of the relative need for weatherization assistance among low-income persons throughout the States, taking into account the following factors:
(A)
The number of dwelling units to be weatherized.
(B)
The climatic conditions in the State respecting energy conservation, which may include consideration of annual degree days.
(C)
The type of weatherization work to be done in the various settings.
(D)
Such other factors as the Secretary may determine necessary, such as the cost of heating and cooling, in order to carry out the purpose and provisions of this part.
(c)
Annual update of data used in allocating funds
Effective with fiscal year 1991, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall update the population, eligible households, climatic, residential energy use, and all other data used in allocating the funds under this part among the States pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.