Memphis Receives Over $5M for Lead Paint Removal

The city of Memphis, Tenn., has received $5.6 million in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to test for and remove lead paint from up to 350 single-family homes and multifamily units built before 1978, according to The Daily Memphian. The grant represents HUD's largest contribution in the southeast region for the current round of funding and the largest amount Memphis has received in one grant in the 15 years the city has been undertaking lead-paint programs.

The $5.6 million grant through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development includes $880,883 from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. For the 42 months of the program, the City of Memphis will pay the salaries of those staffing the program as well as provide office space and other overhead. Training for contractors is also included.

The city is also working with Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center and the Economic Development Growth Engine. EDGE’s involvement will be in lead abatement in structures to be renovated as part of federal Opportunity Zones.

The program includes other housing intervention steps for 120 of the eligible units that need more steps to make them safe.