Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins Announce Nearly $15.5 Million In Funding For Lead Hazard Reduction

Press Release

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Brian Higgins today announced $15,430,102.46 in federal funding for lead hazard reduction in nearly 900 households across New York State. The funding was administered through Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction and Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program. The funds will be used to remove lead hazards and help recipients partner with medical and social service providers to ensure safer housing for low-income families and families with children.

"With winter right around the corner, nobody wants to be worrying about not living in a safe and affordable home contaminated with lead, which can permanently poison our kids," said Senator Schumer. "This lead hazard reduction funding for nearly 900 households and families across the state will help ensure that all our neighbors are living in safe, healthy homes. I'm proud to announce this federal investment for Upstate New York because having a decent and affordable roof over your head is something that all New Yorkers deserve."

"More than 40 years after the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint, its continued presence in homes poses a severe threat to the health and well-being of New Yorkers," said Senator Gillibrand. "This funding will permanently remove lead hazards from homes across New York State and protect young children from the serious and sometimes deadly consequences of lead poisoning. I will continue fighting for the necessary investments to ensure that families of all income levels can live safely."

"Buffalo's older housing stock make it a hotspot for lead hazards impacting the health and safety of our children with serious long-term consequences," said Congressman Higgins. "With over $2 million in federal funding, Buffalo will be able to improve the safety of more than 100 households, protecting vulnerable children from the risks associated with lead exposure."

"I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Higgins for their continued leadership on making funding available to support cities like Buffalo that are working with a wide range of community partners to make homes lead safe.," said City of Buffalo, Mayor Byron Brown. "This funding will expand the number of tools we have available to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, lead-free, and healthy home. The City of Buffalo is proud to have received this competitive grant from HUD and looks forward to working with all of our allies in implementing this new remediation program."

Senator Gillibrand recently sent a successful letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson advocating for Chautauqua County to receive funding from the Lead Hazard Control program.

Funding Recipients Listed Below:

Recipient

Region

Grant Program

Total Amount

Chautauqua County

Western

LBPHC

$3,000,000.00

Buffalo, NY

Western

LHRD

$2,023,602.00

New York, NY

New York City

LHRD

$3,500,000.00

Schenectady, NY

Capital

LHRD

$3,406,500.46

Albany, NY

Capital

LHRD

$3,500,000.00

Source