Hudson County receives $2.4M grant to reduce lead hazards in housing facilities

Federal lawmakers announced that Hudson County has received a $2.4 million grant from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce lead hazards in low-income housing facilities.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“We need to do everything we can to protect New Jersey children and families from the dangers of lead exposure in the home,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ).

“This federal funding is critical to enhancing efforts in Hudson County to reduce lead hazards for low-income families, making homes safer for children. I will continue to fight for additional resources to protect the health and safety of New Jerseyans.”

The senior Senator sent a letter to HUD in support of Hudson County’s application for this funding.

Specifically, the $2,424,097.08 grant is to reduce lead hazards in privately owned low-income housing and protect children and families from the health risks associated with exposure to high levels of lead.

“Dangerous levels of lead in homes threaten the health and safety of families across our country, particularly in some of our most underserved communities,” added U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“We already know the potential health impacts of lead poisoning can be devastating to a child, so we have an obligation to secure the resources needed to address these hazards. This federal investment will help Hudson County mitigate the threat of lead exposure in homes and protect New Jersey families.”

Lead paint in housing presents one of the largest threats to the health, safety, and future productivity of America’s children, according to The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH).

Their Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) grant program is focused, in accordance with the annual HUD Appropriations Acts, on jurisdictions with higher numbers of pre-1940 rental housing and higher rates of childhood lead poisoning cases.

Hudson County was awarded $2,024,097.08 million from the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant program and $400,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding in order to address lead hazards in 150 low-income housing units.

Additionally, the Healthy Homes Supplemental funding allows awardees the ability to more holistically address housing to protect residents’ health and safety. Grantees can use Lead Hazard Control funds to remove the lead paint in a residence.

“I am pleased that Hudson County has been awarded $2.4 million to help communities identify and eliminate lead-based hazards in low-income houses and create safe homes for residents,” stated U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8).

“Regardless of the source—paint or water—lead is toxic, especially for young children. That’s why I introduced legislation to increase testing for lead in school drinking water, and why I’m so pleased that Hudson County has been awarded this funding to eliminate lead in the homes of low-income residents,” said U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-10).

“Not only that, but the additional funding awarded will allow for a more comprehensive approach to addressing other unsafe and unhealthy conditions in those homes. I will continue to work with our congressional delegation to ensure that New Jersey receives the resources necessary to improve public health and the overall well-being of our communities.”