U.S. HUD Makes $4.4M Available To Expand Local Lead Hazard Workforces And Inspections
Washington, D.C. — Communities looking to reduce lead exposure in older housing can now compete for more than $4.4 million in new federal grants designed to help local governments build or rebuild lead hazard programs that protect families, especially young children.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the funding as part of the agency’s Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building effort, which supports work to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in privately owned rentals and owner-occupied homes.
Turner made the announcement alongside Virginia officials and Petersburg leaders during an event tied to the “Partnership for Petersburg,” a statewide initiative launched in 2022. HUD noted Petersburg has been repeatedly cited as among Virginia’s least healthy places to live, with roughly one in five homes estimated to have significant lead-based paint hazards.
The capacity-building grants are meant to strengthen local infrastructure—such as hiring and training staff, developing contractor pipelines, improving targeting and data sharing, and building partnerships that can sustain lead hazard control work over time. The Grants.gov listing for the current opportunity shows about $4.45 million in total program funding with awards that can reach $2.5 million, and the program typically includes a local match requirement.
Health experts have long warned that lead exposure is especially dangerous for children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, and older homes remain a key risk area.
What parents should know
- If paint is peeling or chipping, avoid sanding or scraping it yourself; ask for lead-safe repairs.
- Wash kids’ hands and toys often and wet-clean dusty areas (windowsills/floors).
HUD said application materials are on Grants.gov and that it will offer technical assistance and a webinar for interested jurisdictions.
This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
