HUD No. 06-114 |
For Release Friday September 15, 2006 |
HUD OFFERS $39 MILLION TO CLEAN UP DANGEROUS LEAD-BASED PAINT IN HIGH-RISK URBAN AREAS
Funding targeted to areas with older rental housing and lead-poisoned children
WASHINGTON - The Department of Housing and Urban Development today is making available $39 million in funding to clean up dangerous lead-based paint hazards in communities with the greatest need, specifically cities with the highest incidence of lead poisoning and the greatest amount of older rental housing. HUD's Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program is designed 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."
The Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program supports HUD's goal to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in children and produce lead-safe housing in low-income areas. With the publication of this funding notice, HUD will now be aggressively promoting this grant opportunity to mayors and county officials of every eligible jurisdiction across the country.
HUD is also providing additional guidance on applicant eligibility and comments on issues frequently encountered in the application process. This guidance will enable applicants to compete successfully for the funding. For more information on this available funding, visit grants.gov.
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.###