U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $11,692,000 in federal funding to protect young children and their families from hazardous lead paint poisoning in their homes.
The sale of lead-based paint is banned in the United States, but many older homes have the old paint on walls, which can become dangerous as it peels and chips. Young children are most susceptible to lead poisoning and can face long-term developmental delays if exposed. The funding, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, will be used to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in Virginia’s older housing units.
“Lead poisoning can have negative long-term health impacts for those exposed,” the Virginia senators said. “This funding will help to protect children and families by identifying and mitigating the presence of dangerous lead-based paint.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
·The Commonwealth of Virginia will receive $6,692,000 in funding to update older housing and improve community health across Virginia;
·The City of Roanoke will receive $5,000,000 in funding to update older housing and improve community health.
Warner and Kaine have been vocal about the need for safe, affordable housing for Virginians. In early 2024, the senators announced more than $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth.
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Rebecca Barnabi
