(Washington, DC) - The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on February 25 the award of $2.6 million in funding to the District of Columbia for lead hazard reduction. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Recovery Act includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by HUD, 75 percent of which was allocated to recipients only one week after President Obama signed the Act into law.

The District provides residents funds to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible single- and multi-family dwellings under the Lead Safe Washington Program (LSW) which is carried out by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

Deteriorated lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust present significant health hazards to individuals of all ages and children younger than six-years-old in particular. By addressing the lead-based paint and lead dust hazards in housing, the District can create a lead-safe environment for residents.

DHCD estimates the Recovery Act funds, combined with local Housing Production Trust Funds, can reduce lead hazards in up to 225 homes across the District. The Department is awaiting further notification from HUD about when it will receive the funding.