Inman

HUD offers $39 million to clean up lead-paint hazards

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is making available $39 million in funding to clean up dangerous lead-based-paint hazards in cities with the highest incidence of lead poisoning and the greatest amount of older rental housing.

HUD’s Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program aims to assist local urban areas to identify and control lead-based-paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing.

“This funding will find its way into communities with the greatest risks to our children,” said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. “This is an entirely preventable disease and through grant programs like this, we hope to protect future generations of children from the tragedy of lead poisoning.”

Lead exposure causes reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced height, poorer hearing, and a host of other health problems in young children, according to HUD.

HUD is promoting this grant opportunity to mayors and county officials of every eligible jurisdiction across the country. For more information on this available funding, visit grants.gov.