Austin receives $2.5 million grant for lead removal

For immediate release
September 21, 2011

Federal funding will help Austin-area homes become safer, healthier

The City of Austin will evaluate approximately 180 homes for hazardous lead, and assist with removal if lead is discovered, after being awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD awarded $93 million in grants nationwide for a myriad of programs intended to protect children and families from potentially dangerous lead-based paint and other home health and safety hazards. Lead is a known toxin that can impair children’s development and have effects lasting into adulthood.

“We want Austin residents to feel safe, and truly be safe, in their homes. With this grant, we can educate the community about the hazardous nature of lead and continue outreach to households that might be a risk,” said Betsy Spencer, Director of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development.

With the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant, the City will evaluate and remediate lead-based paint hazards in approximately 180 homes and conduct outreach and education. Residents living in homes built before 1978 should contact Coby Ramirez with the City’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office at (512) 974-3122 or coby.ramirez@austintexas.gov.

Lead Hazard Control Grant Programs

These funds are provided through HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration grant programs.

Even though lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, HUD estimates approximately 24 million homes still have significant lead-based paint hazards. Lead-contaminated dust is the primary cause of lead exposure and can lead to a variety of health problems in young children, including reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced height and impaired hearing. At higher levels, lead can damage a child’s kidneys and central nervous system and cause anemia, coma, convulsions and even death.

Contact:
Jill Goodman, Communications & Public Information, (512) 974-2240