The Ohio Department of Development announced Jan. 11 that $1.6 million in grants to help remove toxic lead from 82 low- and moderate-income households in 25 communities across the state, including Lorain County, according to a news release.
Lorain County will receive a $45,000 grant.
The funding comes from Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) — Lead Abatement Program (LAP) money allocated through the Lead Safe Ohio program, which is investing a total of nearly $100 million to support lead mitigation and prevention projects, the release said.
“Lead exposure is a persistent issue that demands proactive solutions,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development in the release. “Through this investment, we’re taking decisive steps to not only protect more of Ohio’s families but also build a foundation for stronger, more resilient communities.”
The awards announced Jan. 11 will support abatement projects such as waterline replacement, window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair and lead cleaning efforts, according to the release.
This is in addition to the $84 million in awards announced on Dec. 14, the release said.
The Lead Safe Ohio program, announced by Gov. Mike DeWine in May, was established in partnership with the 134th Ohio General Assembly, which funded the program in House Bill 45 with $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The program is administered by the Department of Development, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health.
Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust when deteriorating, according to the release.
While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk.
Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance, the release said.
Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and the ability to learn and earn an income.
More information about the dangers of lead poisoning can be found on the Ohio Department of Health’s website at https://odh.ohio.gov/.
For more information on the Lead Safe Ohio program, visit https://development.ohio.gov/community/housing-and-homelessness/lead-safe-ohio-program.