DALLAS (AP) _ Even though Texas has received millions of federal dollars from the economic-stimulus package to help poor Texans cut their energy bills, only seven homes had been weather-treated as of the end of last month.
The Dallas Morning News reports that Texas has spent $1.8 million of $163 million available over the past four months and most of that went to administrative costs like salaries for state workers.
In Texas, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs has the task of figuring out how to get the money to local agencies and governments.
State officials acknowledge the slow start but say they’re trying to ensure there is no waste or fraud. They also say federal red tape has been a problem.