New York Announces Federal Funding to Combat Lead Poisoning

After a major push from state senators, New York state secured a $304 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for lead-based-paint hazard remediation, according to local Syracuse, N.Y., television station WSTM. The spending package appropriated $279 million for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes and an additional $25 million for HUD to assist public housing agencies with lead-based-paint interventions.

Senator Chuck Schumer explained that securing this funding was of the utmost importance to him, as far too many upstate New York communities – particularly Syracuse – are plagued by lead poisoning and a high number of homes that still contain lead paint. For example, last November, Schumer visited Syracuse to advocate for a boost in funding for the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, following reports that more than 675 Syracuse children were poisoned by lead in 2017.

With over 90% of Syracuse housing built before 1980 and 50% of rental properties built prior to 1960, residents in those units are at a significantly heightened risk for lead-based paint hazards, Schumer said. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.